Young driver arrested after wrong-way crash on Trans-Canada Highway in Saanich

Saanich Police have arrested a young man believed to be responsible for a serious wrong-way crash that sent three people to hospital last week.

The collision took place just after 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 1st, in the southbound lanes of the Trans-Canada Highway between Helmcken Road and Admirals Road.

According to police, the driver was travelling in the wrong direction when he struck multiple vehicles, triggering a major crash that shut down the highway for several hours.

Police confirmed Tuesday that the wrong-way driver has been arrested and released on conditions, including a ban on occupying the driver’s seat of any vehicle.

He remains in hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

A witness who was among the first on scene told Victoria Buzz that four vehicles were involved and described one car as being “badly impacted,” with a young man trapped inside.

Related: Three hospitalized after wrong-way driver causes serious crash on TCH in Saanich

“The young fellow was not OK and required jaws of life,” the witness said. “I stayed by his side keeping him awake and comforted until paramedics arrived.”

That young man is the individual who was driving the wrong way and is now under investigation.

“The other drivers appeared to be injured but OK and able to exit their vehicles,” the witness added. “Nobody knew which car had been driving the wrong way as it was a complete mess.”

They also shared that the experience had a personal impact.

“My son is not far off in age from what that boy appeared to be and is getting his license in two weeks. We were just talking about how it’s not just your driving that matters on the road. It was a life-changing moment for him.”

The other individuals involved in the crash were treated in hospital and have since been released.

Saanich Police say the investigation is ongoing, and more details will be released when appropriate.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage from the area near the Admirals Road exchange between 9 p.m. and 9:10 p.m. on May 1st is asked to contact the Saanich Police Major Crime Unit at MajorCrime@SaanichPolice.ca.