Bystanders pulled a woman from a burning car yesterday after what police suspect was an intentional two-vehicle collision on McKenzie Avenue.
Witnesses told Saanich police two vehicles were racing through traffic on the Trans-Canada Highway en route into Victoria at around 11:20 a.m. on Tuesday.
A black Honda Accord driven by a 33-year-old woman and a silver SUV driven by a 45-year-old man exited the highway onto Tillicum Road, drove through a plaza parking lot to Burnside Road and wound their way to McKenzie Avenue.
Police allege the Accord intentionally rammed the SUV on McKenzie near St. Joseph's School, and then careened into another passing car. The Accord caught on fire and the woman was trapped inside, police say, but two bystanders came to her rescue.
"Her car was engulfed in fire when emergency services arrived," said Saanich police Sgt. Steve Eassie. "Time was of the essence and the two people were extremely helpful to her."
The woman remains in hospital with serious but non life-threatening injuries. The man in the SUV had minor injuries, police say, and the person in the third damaged vehicle was unharmed.
Investigators suspect the incident is a domestic dispute and the two people know each other, Eassie said. Police are still seeking and interviewing witnesses to piece together the events and circumstances surrounding the collision. No charges have been laid.
"What initially looked like a two vehicle collision has turned into a much bigger investigation," Eassie said.
Anyone who saw a black Honda Accord and a silver SUV racing in the Burnside-Tillicum area Tuesday around 11:20 a.m. is asked to call Saanich police at 250-475-4321.
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