Overview of the Incident

A devastating two-vehicle crash on Sooke Road has left a 63-year-old woman dead, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The collision, which occurred around 3:50 p.m. on Thursday in the 5000-block of Sooke Road, has sparked both traffic chaos and heartbreak in the local community.

Emergency Response

Emergency services rushed to the scene, dispatching two ambulances. Although one individual was transported to the hospital, the tragic outcome was confirmed the following day when police identified the deceased as the driver of an Acura 1.6E sedan heading westbound. Preliminary reports indicate that the crash involved her vehicle colliding with a truck traveling eastbound at a notorious sharp bend in the road. Thankfully, the driver of the truck escaped without injuries.

Traffic Impact

The deadly crash coincided with peak rush hour traffic, causing significant delays for motorists. Authorities closed the road completely until about 5:10 p.m., leaving drivers with no option for detours in the aftermath of the incident. By approximately 5:10 p.m., traffic had been rerouted to single-lane alternating traffic between Manzer Road and Gillespie Road, a situation that lasted until the road fully reopened around 8:45 p.m.

Community Reaction

Witness accounts flooding social media described scenes of frustration as motorists were stuck in traffic for extended periods, with many turning off their vehicles and lights while waiting near the 17 Mile turnoff. This tragic event underlines the pressing need for increased road safety measures, especially in high-traffic areas.

Call for Action

In light of this incident, concerned citizens are calling for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and improved road signage in accident-prone zones to prevent future tragedies. As the community mourns the loss, the impact of this accident continues to resonate, highlighting both the fragility of life and the importance of safe driving practices.