An ambulance responding to an emergency call with lights and sirens was involved in a crash at a busy downtown Victoria intersection Wednesday afternoon.
According to a statement from BC Emergency Health Services, the incident occurred at approximately 4:10 p.m. at the intersection of Johnson Street and Douglas Street. The ambulance, which was actively responding to a 911 call at the time, collided with another vehicle in the intersection.
Photos from the scene show the front end of the ambulance significantly crumpled, while the side of a small passenger vehicle involved in the crash appeared heavily damaged.
BC EHS confirmed that another nearby ambulance was able to respond to the original emergency call in place of the one involved in the crash.
Additional paramedics, along with a supervisor, were dispatched to the scene of the collision to assess those involved. The occupant of the second vehicle was treated on scene and did not require transport to hospital.
However, both paramedics inside the ambulance were taken to hospital for assessment. Their injuries are believed to be minor, according to the statement.
“We take the safety of our paramedics, patients, and members of the public very seriously,” BC Emergency Health Services said. “We will ensure the paramedics involved in this incident are receiving the support they need as they recover.”
In an email statement to Victoria Buzz, VicPD confirmed that they were called to the scene by EHS at 4:10 p.m. to assist with traffic control.
As a result, Johnson Street between Government Street and Douglas Street was temporarily closed and reopened about an hour later.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and no details about potential charges or tickets have been released.
VicPD also reminded the public of the importance of yielding to emergency vehicles. In British Columbia, drivers must yield to emergency vehicles using flashing lights and/or sirens.
If approaching an intersection, motorists are required to wait until the emergency vehicle has passed. These rules are in place to ensure the safety of both emergency responders and the public.
The crash caused traffic to back up extensively in the area, with drivers reporting long delays as emergency crews worked to clear the intersection.
