Emergency responders could be seen blocking off a stretch of 11th Avenue in Campbell River Monday afternoon after a driver crashed a van into a building.
The crash happened just after noon, according to Campbell River Fire Chief Dan Verdun, who says those involved suffered minor injuries. He says the driver of the van, the only occupant, was injured, along with someone inside the building.
Donovan James captured photos of the aftermath, which showed the grey van and the storefront, B & K Upholstery, badly damaged.
James tells CHEK News he witnessed the crash and rushed over to make sure everyone was OK.
“The driver was in shock,” he said. “He’s OK. Big bruises.”
According to Verdun, the driver claimed they lost control of the vehicle just prior to the crash. Suffering minor injuries, they were able to walk away from the scene, he says.
The fire chief adds that a structural engineer is now assessing the building.
CHEK News reached out to RCMP and BC Emergency Health Services for more details.
Verdun says a driver crashing into a building is an “unusual occurrence” in Campbell River and “not a call that is frequent” for crews at the department.
In October, a driver crashed into the Campbell River Bowling Alley at the corner of 16th Avenue and Peterson Road, resulting in paramedics transporting one person to hospital.
(Photo: Donovan James)
Ethan Morneau
