The 50 year old driver of a 1989 white Toyota Tercel stationwagon that crashed into a retaining wall near the intersection of Interurban and Quayle Rd, has died.

The crash happened last night, January 20th, at about 6:30pm.  The man was the only occupant in the Toyota, which was being driven north on Interurban Rd, when it moved onto the shoulder of the road and struck head on with the edge of a large concrete retaining wall. 

Witnesses following the Toyota as it travelled on Interurban, indicate that the car was not speeding, nor did it appear to make any attempt to brake before hitting the wall.   

Saanich officers were on scene within minutes and provided initial first aid to the man who was unresponsive inside the car.  Moments later ambulance and fire personnel arrived and continued with their efforts to help the man.  He was removed from the car after the driver’s seat back was cut free by fire crews.

The man was taken to hospital by paramedics and contact was made with his relatives to tell them of the crash.  Sadly, he was pronounced dead by the emergency room doctor shortly after he arrived.

Saanich Police Collision Reconstructionists attended to the crash scene to investigate potential causes of it.  The Toyota was towed to a secure compound and will have a full mechanical inspection completed. 

The Coroner’s Service is involved and an autopsy will likely be done.

The cause of this tragic crash is still under investigation.  It appears the man was not wearing a seatbelt though, which could be a considerable factor leading to his death.  His name is not being released at this time.

(10-1590)