A 42-year-old woman died Wednesday morning after being struck by a loaded gasoline tanker in the parking lot of a downtown Nanaimo gas bar. Nanaimo RCMP and the BC Coroners Service are investigating the incident, which occurred at approximately 6:46 a.m. at 60 Victoria Crescent.
Emergency responders rushed to the Mid-Island Co-op gas bar on Victoria Crescent following the early morning collision. Police initially identified the victim as a man in an early report before issuing a correction later in the day to confirm the deceased was a 42-year-old woman.
Police and Coroners Service Investigating Victoria Crescent Collision
Investigators determined that the heavy transport vehicle was reversing into the property when the tragedy unfolded. According to police findings, a loaded gasoline tanker was backing into the parking lot and struck a pedestrian positioned near the curb.
The victim was seated or laying near the curb between the sidewalk and the parking lot at the entrance to the property when she was hit. She sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have identified the woman and are currently working to notify her next of kin.
“Investigation determined that a loaded gas tanker was backing into the parking lot and the vehicle struck a pedestrian who was seated or laying near the curb between the sidewalk and the parking lot at the entrance to the property.”
Staff Sgt. Kris Clark, BC RCMP
The BC Coroners Service has been notified and is conducting a concurrent investigation into the fatality. Nanaimo RCMP temporarily closed Victoria Crescent to traffic while emergency personnel processed the scene, though the roadway has since reopened to the public. An earlier version of reporting incorrectly stated the person killed was a man, based on information received from Nanaimo RCMP.
Witness Accounts Highlight Chaotic Moments Before the Response
Kevan Shaw recalled hearing the fuel truck backing up towards the gas pumps in the parking lot of the gas station, with the driver blowing his horn to warn anyone that may be behind the truck.
“At the same time, there was a black car coming out of Old Victoria Road that was honking his horn at the truck. The car then scurried around the truck and there were a few words exchanged between the drivers of the truck and the car.”
Kevan Shaw, Witness
Shaw said he thought nothing more about it until a few minutes later when he heard sirens and fire trucks, police cars and ambulances began arriving at the scene, letting him know that something bad had happened. He observed a blanket next to the cab of the fuel truck covering a body, and later spoke to some street people in the area who said it was an unhoused person under the blanket.
Ongoing Appeal for Witnesses and Dashcam Footage
Investigators are urging anyone who witnessed the collision or possesses relevant dash camera footage from the area around the time of the incident to come forward. Police ask community members with information to contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345 and reference file number 2026-30893.
“The circumstances surrounding this tragic incident remain under investigation, and investigators are gathering evidence to determine exactly what occurred.”
S/Sgt. Kris Clark, of the BC RCMP
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