A Sunday morning drive on Highway 19 ended with a vehicle overturned in the trees near Parksville, sending two people to hospital and prompting an investigation into what led to the crash. The collision happened around 7:10 a.m. Sept. 6 in the highway’s northbound lanes near Exit 46, according to Oceanside RCMP. The vehicle, a white Kia Forte, veered off Highway 19 and ended up upside down in a forested area. Police say both occupants, a man and a woman, were both taken to hospital. The male driver suffered the more serious injuries, and police are now looking into whether his condition contributed to the crash. Investigators say witnesses described the Kia’s driving as erratic before the collision. Evidence collected as part of the investigation has also raised concerns about possible alcohol impairment. Police have not laid any charges. The crash investigation kept Highway 19 closed for several hours as a collision reconstructionist worked at the scene. RCMP are now hoping to hear from anyone who saw the Kia before the crash or captured it on a dashcam. Anyone who has information and has not yet spoken with police is asked to call Oceanside RCMP at 250 248 6111 and quote file 2026 9535.
