Truck hits man on Rail Trail, significant injuries

A driver was arrested after allegedly running over a person near a homeless camp on the Okanagan Rail Trail in Kelowna.

Police responded to a 911 call just after midnight on Sunday, Sept. 25 near Baillie Avenue where officers were informed a male had been run over by a truck.

“Police officers attended the accident scene and arrested the driver of a black Dodge Ram with Alberta plate,” said Cpl. Judith Bertrand, media relations officer.

People at the scene helped the victim until the Kelowna Fire Department and Emergency Health Services could transport the victim to hospital where he is receiving medical care for significant injuries.

“The investigation is still ongoing but it appears that alcohol was a factor. In order to have a fulsome understanding of what occurred and why, a traffic analyst and officers from the general investigation section are engaged in the investigation,” said Inspector Beth McAndie, investigative service officer for the Kelowna Regional RCMP.

Bertrand said the area near the site was populated by several individuals living in temporary shelters and tents.

“We are grateful that no one else was injured. We are asking anyone who witnessed the accident to contact the Kelowna RCMP. To remain anonymous, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or leave a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net,” said Bertrand.

With this incident and five drug overdose deaths in Kelowna over nine hours on Saturday, Mayor Colin Basran issued the following statement Sunday afternoon:

“The events of the past 24 hours have reinforced the vital importance of continuing to advocate for the right supports for vulnerable people living on our streets and for people with addictions,” stated Basran.

“With five deadly overdoses within nine hours yesterday and last night’s horrific incident between a truck driver and a person using the temporary overnight shelter, the need for more shelter space, complex care facilities is obvious. More of these types of support are coming to Kelowna, however it is clear we need connect members of our community with the help they need when they need it,” the mayor said.