B.C. driver who caused life-altering injuries for A&W worker gets $1,500 fine

An 80-year-old driver who crashed into a North Vancouver fast food restaurant, sending a worker scalded with oil to the ICU, has been fined $1,500.

The driver who changed Ruby Punzalan’s life forever has received a fine for driving without due care and attention.

George Collins was behind the wheel of the SUV that collided with the wall of the North Vancouver A&W restaurant Punzalan was managing in March 2024.

The collision splashed burning hot oil from the restaurant’s deep fryer all over Punzalan’s face and body.

She spent three weeks in intensive care and almost a month in a burn recovery unit.

Earlier this year, the B.C. Prosecution Service approved the charge against Collins in connection to the case.

Driving without due care and attention is a Motor Vehicle Act offence, not a Criminal Code offence. That distinction means Punzalan cannot sue Collins or ICBC for compensation.

Under ICBC’s “enhanced care” model, victims can only sue for damages if the driver is convicted of a criminal offence.

In January, Punzalan told CTV News WorkSafeBC has been covering 90 per cent of her salary, as well as her medical bills and therapist appointments. She said ICBC contacted her monthly to check-in, but she had not received any compensation from the Crown corporation up to that point.

In a statement at the time, ICBC said “currently, WorkSafeBC is providing all recovery benefits for Mrs. Punzalan and we’re not aware of any additional benefits needed.” It added it would provide coverage for any treatments or benefits needed under enhanced care that aren’t covered by WorkSafeBC.

Collins entered a guilty plea in the case earlier this week, according to the BCPS. The 80-year-old was sentenced to a fine of $1,500, plus a victim surcharge of $225.

With files from CTV News Vancouver’s Shannon Paterson and Isabella Zavarise