6 killed, 17 injured in Abbotsford, B.C., crash

ABBOTSFORD, B.C. — An Abbotsford family deep in wedding preparations Friday afternoon has been torn apart by a devastating accident Friday night that killed six and injured 17.

Abbotsford Police say a 1981 Chevrolet pickup plowed into a crowd of up to 30 pedestrians, knocking several into a ditch and pinning others under the truck. Three men and three women were killed, ranging in age from teenagers to adults in their 50s.

Fourteen ambulances, two helicopters and numerous off-duty police were called to the scene in the 1700 block of Lefeuvre Road just after 11 p.m., and the injured were transferred to various hospitals with minor to serious injuries.

Police are not identifying the victims, but a neighbor who was at the Indo-Canadian family's house Friday to purchase some blueberries says she was horrified to hear about the crash.

"The girls were all dressed up and setting up the food, hanging up decorations, getting ready for the wedding party," said Monica Holloway. "They were so excited. I really feel for them. They are such a lovely family."

The driver, a 71-year-old man, has been questioned and released without charges. The cause of this crash remains under investigation. Alcohol and drugs have been ruled out.

The crash is being investigated by the Abbotsford Police Detective Office and the B.C. Coroners Office, as well as collision analysts and victim services workers.

Abbotsford Police have set up an information line for families (604-864 4787).