Questions over road safety after UBC students hit, killed

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Although RCMP have not determined if speed was a factor in a fatal incident at UBC over the weekend that claimed the lives of two students, many within the university community are already calling for safety improvements to the road.

The driver of a vehicle veered off the road and hit the pair while they were walking on the sidewalk along North West Marine Drive near the university residences just before 2 a.m.

The man and woman, both 18-years-old, were killed. Their names have not been released.

On Monday morning, flowers had been placed near the crash site by fellow students and members of the university community who have been left heartbroken by the deaths.

A makeshift memorial is growing for two 18-year-old @UBC students, struck and killed on campus early yesterday morning. A somber mood at the school as classes resume. Grief and trauma counsellors are on hand for those who need someone to talk to. More on @NEWS1130. pic.twitter.com/Om39f9Dg7D

— Monika Gul (@MonikaGul) September 27, 2021

Many are looking for answers into how this happened.

According to the RCMP, the 21-year-old man who was driving the car was arrested, hospitalized with minor injuries, and released to appear in court at a later date.

Police say they are still determining whether speed, alcohol, or drugs were factors, saying, “they have not been ruled out.”

But many who know this road well say drivers are often seen speeding, and that it is not well-lit for pedestrians.

Related Articles:

• Two UBC students dead after being hit by vehicle near campus

• Community grief after death of UBC students: Psych prof

UBC Psychology Professor Benjamin Cheung is among those who say the road can be very dangerous.

Cheung witnessed a different deadly crash 10 years ago along this stretch of road.

“There are certain stretches of … South West Marine Drive that can be a little problematic for drivers, especially late at night, and especially as there are some stretches that aren’t as well lit,” he said about the road known as the UBC Highway.

“I kind of wish that the powers that be could be a little more proactive about these kinds of things so we can be more preventative instead of being reactive so much of the time,” Cheung said.

University RCMP is seeking any witnesses or dashcam video of the incident. Anyone with related information should contact them at 604-224-1322.

NEWS 1130 took these concerns to B.C.’s transportation minister Monday.

“I offer sincere condolences to the families and friends of the two young University of British Columbia students involved in this tragic incident. My thoughts are also with those in the UBC community struggling with this terrible loss,” Minister Rob Fleming said in a written statement.

“I understand University RCMP are investigating to determine the cause. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure will work closely with the RCMP to learn from the findings of their investigation, as well as a complete safety review of the corridor.”