North Vancouver Teen Critically Injured After Devastating Skateboard-Van Collision

A serene Sunday afternoon in North Vancouver tragically turned into a scene of critical concern when a teenager was left with severe, potentially life-threatening injuries after being struck by a van. The alarming incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. on October 22, 2023, at the busy intersection of Lillooet Road and Purcell Way, sending shockwaves through the local community.

According to reports from the North Vancouver RCMP, the young victim was reportedly riding a skateboard when the collision with a van took place.

Emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene, where first responders worked swiftly to provide aid before transporting the injured teen to a local hospital for urgent medical attention.

The severity of the teenager's injuries has been described as serious, underscoring the critical nature of his condition.

Police have confirmed that the driver of the van involved in the incident remained at the scene and is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation. This immediate cooperation is a crucial step in piecing together the events that led to this devastating accident.

In the aftermath, the intersection of Lillooet Road and Purcell Way was temporarily closed off by authorities to facilitate a thorough examination of the collision site.

Investigators from the North Vancouver RCMP's Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service (ICARS) unit were on hand, meticulously gathering evidence and analyzing the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Authorities are now issuing a public appeal for assistance. They urge anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have dashcam footage captured in the vicinity of Lillooet Road and Purcell Way around the time of the incident, to come forward.

Such information could prove invaluable in understanding the full context of what transpired and aiding the investigation.

This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and vigilance for all users, whether they are pedestrians, cyclists, skateboarders, or drivers.

The community holds its breath, hoping for a full recovery for the young teenager, as the investigation into this grave accident continues.