Pedestrian seriously injured, transit diverted after Kitchener crash

KITCHENER -

A crash closed a major road in Kitchener and sent a 42-year-old man to hospital Tuesday night.

Waterloo regional police were called to Victoria Street South and Weichel Street around 7:30 p.m.

Police say the vehicle hit the man as he was walking across the road.

“He suffered serious and life-threatening injuries and was transported to an out of region hospital,” said Acting Staff Sgt. Mark Hammer.

A 29-year-old man from Kitchener was driving the vehicle, travelling west on Victoria Street. He was uninjured, police said.

Roadblocks and evidence markers were put in place at the scene, and one vehicle could be seen with its windshield smashed.

Victoria Street was shut down for about six hours as police investigated. The closure also disrupted Grand River Transit service.

The road was open on Wednesday morning.

John Tohill said he was sitting on his porch when he saw the crash.

“I heard the squealing of the tires. Next thing I know you hear something busting glass. Next thing you know there was a male down on the pavement,” said Tohill, adding he called police right away.

Some pedestrians said it is a very busy area.

“I always have my guard up when I’m around here,” said Maddy Smith, a resident who lives in the area and frequently uses the crosswalk at Victoria and Westmount.

Some are hoping for more safety measures are implemented.

“It is something that residents have been speaking about for quite a while,” said Margaret Johnston, Ward 8 Kitchener City Councillor. “I don’t know if there’s a signal or something that needs to be put in there. But that’s something that the city and the region and their staff can collaborate on.”

The investigation remains ongoing.

“We will be anticipating laying charges. At this point in time it is not clear whether that’s to the pedestrian or the driver,” said Hammer.

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the collision to contact them.