Three people have been hospitalized following a crash involving a police SUV in B.C.’s Fraser Valley on Thursday afternoon.
Authorities said the SUV collided with a GMC Envoy near the Abbotsford intersection of King and Gladwin roads around 4 p.m.
The civilian driver of the Envoy suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to hospital. There were two officers from the Abbotsford Police Department in the other vehicle, and both suffered injuries their employer described as non-life-threatening.
Provincial police watchdog the Independent Investigation Office was notified of the crash, and will be investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The IIO is tasked with reviewing all officer-involved incidents that result in death or serious harm, regardless of whether there is an allegation of wrongdoing on the part of police.
In a statement, the watchdog said the police SUV was “engaged in an unrelated investigation” when the collision took place. The Abbotsford Police Department confirmed the vehicle was equipped with emergency lights and a siren, but couldn’t say whether either was activated at the time.
“This will form part of (the IIO’s) investigation,” Sgt. Paul Walker told CTV News, in an email.
The department said the civilian driver is also being investigated for possible impairment.
The IIO asked anyone who witnessed the collision or has relevant video to contact its tipline at 1-855-446-8477.
