Police seek witnesses after fatal crash near Nanaimo; one man dead, another injured

An 18-year-old man from Nanaimo has died following a fiery collision on Highway 1, and investigators are appealing for witnesses and dash camera footage to help determine what happened.

BC Highway Patrol says the crash occurred around 10:30 p.m. on November 3, when a black Audi S3 sedan lost control and caught fire in the northbound lanes near Morden Road on Vancouver Island. Officers say another dark-coloured car, possibly a black Honda Civic, was seen in the area but did not stop after the crash.

Corporal Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol said investigators need to learn more about that second vehicle, which was driving close to the Audi just before the collision. He added that video evidence and witness accounts will be crucial to finding out whether criminal activity was involved.

The 19-year-old driver of the Audi, also from Nanaimo, was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. His passenger, an 18-year-old man, died at the scene.

Police are asking anyone with dash camera footage or information about the dark-coloured car to contact BC Highway Patrol – Duncan at 250-746-2751 and quote file number (7001) 2025-2168.