A 24-year-old woman has died and a man is in serious condition after a single-vehicle crash in downtown Calgary on Tuesday afternoon.
Police received reports of a serious collision on Third Street near Seventh Avenue SW around 3:50 pm on Tuesday, according to a press release.
Police initially believed the incident involved a pedestrian, but subsequent investigations showed that the passenger in the car involved in the incident was thrown from the vehicle.
A black Kia Soul driven by a 26-year-old man was stopped on the west side of the road facing south. With the 24-year-old woman in the passenger seat, the vehicle abruptly reversed and crossed the road.
Police say the sudden movements of the car caused the passenger to fall through the front passenger’s door.
The woman was hit by the vehicle. The Kia then collided with an unoccupied parked car on the east side of the street.
The woman was trapped under the Kia and, according to police, spectators at the scene tried to free her. However, the injured woman died shortly afterwards in hospital.
The man driving the car was found unconscious at the scene. He was taken to hospital for treatment.
Police are investigating drug use as a factor in the crash. They do not currently believe speed or alcohol were contributing factors, according to the statement.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, according to the Calgary Police Service, and anyone who witnessed the collision or the events that led to it should call police at 403-266-1234. Witnesses can also contact Calgary Crime Stoppers through their website or by calling 1-800-222-8477.