British Columbia

Prince Rupert pedestrian killed after getting out to clear debris

A 70-year-old Prince Rupert, B.C., man was killed after being hit when he got out of his car to pick up debris in 'darkness and a torrential downpour,' said RCMP.

Man got out of his vehicle 'to remove fresh debris that was scattered on the roadway'

RCMP are blaming poor visibility for the death of a pedestrian Friday night, after the man got out of his vehicle in a heavy downpour. (Google Maps)

A 70-year-old pedestrian in Prince Rupert, B.C., was struck and killed after getting out of his vehicle to remove  what police call "fresh debris that was scattered on the roadway" during a heavy downpour after dark on Friday. 

The man got out of his vehicle along 9th Avenue to pick up garbage and was hit by another vehicle making a left-hand turn on McBride Street around 5:15 p.m. PT. 

The man who was struck was transported to hospital in critical condition and later airlifted to Vancouver Hospital, where he died.

"Visibility was extremely poor at the time of the incident, due to darkness and torrential downpour", said Const. Will Gilbert.

Police are seeking witnesses and are stressing that drivers "use caution at night when driving or walking, as visibility is reduced and can be compromised with oncoming lights from traffic."

Anybody with information is asked to call Prince Rupert RCMP at 250-627-0700.

Corrections

  • The original version of this story incorrectly stated the date of the accident. In fact, it occurred on Friday.
    Nov 20, 2017 10:38 AM PT