Fatal West Vancouver crash came amid birthday celebration, driver facing criminal charges
Posted September 3, 2021 5:52 pm.
Last Updated September 4, 2021 12:12 pm.
WEST VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Charges have been laid after a crash in West Vancouver claimed the lives of two young men early Thursday morning, one of whom was celebrating a birthday.
The man charged, 22-year-old Dilpreet Singh Sandhu, was driving the vehicle and the two who died at the scene of the crash were passengers, according to Const. Kevin Goodmurphy with the West Vancouver Police Department. Sandhu has been charged with two counts of criminal negligence causing death.
“It is my understanding that the group that was travelling together, within these cars that were that were part of this, were celebrating one of the people’s birthdays that were confirmed deceased at the scene. They were celebrating their 20th birthday so it’s just horrible for everyone involved,” he says.
Police were called to the deadly scene on Cypress Bowl Road at around 4 a.m., and reported a suspect had been arrested later that day.
“Given the information and the evidence that we have obtained at this point in time, we believe that speed and alcohol likely played a factor. Charges have been laid,” Goodmurphy says.
“This is absolutely an active investigation, and we will still be obtaining more evidence and presenting that when the trial begins.”
RELATED: Man arrested after two people killed in West Vancouver crash, speed and alcohol ‘likely contributed’
Calling the crash “tragic” Goodmurphy says his thoughts are with the families of the two men who died.
“Our victim support team has been in touch with the family and is continuously in touch with them as this unfolds. I mean, as a parent myself, as a brother to two siblings — if I was to have lost somebody so tragically it would be extremely traumatizing and a very, very difficult time for everyone.”
Goodmurphy describes Cypress Bowl Road as windy, and particularly treacherous in the winter.
“If you’re not watching your speeds and paying attention, it can be a very deadly road.”
With files from Sonia Aslam
