Pedestrian, 45, killed by SUV at Main and National as VPD urges caution

A 45-year-old woman died after being struck by a southbound SUV at Main Street and National Avenue in Strathcona shortly after midnight on Sunday, Oct. 25, according to the Vancouver Police Department (VPD).

Police said she was in a marked crosswalk and was thrown about 30 metres. Officers, paramedics and fire crews responded, and the VPD Accident Investigation Unit was brought in. She was pronounced dead at the scene just before 1 a.m. after resuscitation measures were performed.

Why it matters

The VPD described the death as the second pedestrian struck in a few days. On Thursday, Oct. 22, a seven-year-old girl was hit by a vehicle at East Pender Street and Victoria Drive. She has since been released from hospital with minor injuries.

Const. Megan Lui said of the Main Street collision that pedestrians should take additional caution and drivers should stay vigilant, especially during darker commutes. With Halloween approaching, police also encouraged families to plan ahead and to remind children to use crosswalks, stay visible and watch for traffic.

What we know

• When: Shortly after midnight on Sunday, Oct. 25. The woman was pronounced dead just before 1 a.m.
• Where: Main Street and National Avenue, in Strathcona.
• Vehicle: A southbound SUV struck the woman, who was in a marked crosswalk.
• Conditions: VPD said it was dark and raining heavily at the time.
• Driver: The driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with police. VPD said alcohol and substance use are not believed to be factors.
• Signal: Whether the woman had a walk signal is not yet clear, according to police.
• Earlier incident: The seven-year-old girl was injured Oct. 22 at East Pender Street and Victoria Drive.

A fundraiser has also been launched for the family of a man killed in Vancouver in late September after being struck by a vehicle.

What happens next

The VPD Accident Investigation Unit is now involved in the Main Street and National Avenue collision. Police have not yet said whether the woman had a walk signal.

Heading into Halloween, police are encouraging families to plan ahead for trick-or-treating routes and to talk with children about crosswalk safety and visibility.