It isn't often that visitors to Stanley Park are greeted by the sight of a car partially submerged in the Vancouver park's Lost Lagoon.
But that's exactly what happened on Friday after an elderly woman lost control of a car that careened across a field, over a wall and into the lagoon. On the way into the water, the Nissan Ultima struck a female pedestrian.
It turns out she was trying to parallel park and hit the gas pedal instead of the brake.
"I heard this loud bang and the car went straight for her and I thought it was a domestic squabble or sorts,'' said witness James Chou, adding that the pedestrian was struck on the legs.
The woman in her 30's was later treated for possible broken bones.
"I ran down to look at the car and it turns out to be an elderly person and three gentlemen trying to help her,'' said Chou.
Firefighters managed to help the driver out. She's 82 years old.
Acting Sgt. Corey Bech of the Vancouver Police confirmed that the woman lost control of the car she was trying to park and hit the pedestrian before plunging into the lake.
She was escorted by paramedics, and taken to hospital for observation. She doesn't appear to have any injuries. Police will be interviewing her further to find out exactly what happened. when she was trying to park her car.
It's a mistake that has happened before with tragic results.
Last summer, a group of children were standing outside a Langley drugstore when a car jumped the curb and hit them. A six year old boy was pinned against the wall. He died in hospital.
Fortunately, on Friday there were no serious injuries. It could have been much worse. Eight million people visit Stanley Park every year. Many of them stop by Lost Lagoon. And the seawall is often teaming with cyclists, pedestrians and joggers.
with a report by CTV British Columbia's Carrie Stefanson
