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Police officers, bystanders lift car to free woman trapped underneath

Police and bystanders credited with saving life of 72-year-old Nanaimo woman
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A 72-year-old cyclist who was pinned under a car is OK thanks in part to quick thinking and muscle from bystanders and police who lifted up the vehicle.

According to a Nanaimo RCMP press release, officers on patrol were frantically flagged down by several bystanders near Rutherford Road and Nelson Road on Saturday at about 1 p.m.

The police discovered a woman was pinned under a full-size sedan and appeared to be severely injured.

The bystanders told police the woman was seen sitting on the side of Rutherford Road after she had fallen from her bike. Seconds later, a vehicle emerged from a driveway and drove over her.

The officers and seven bystanders lifted the vehicle onto its side and held it up while one of the bystanders pulled the woman out from under it.

The victim was initially unresponsive, but regained consciousness a few moments later. B.C. Ambulance paramedics arrived and took her to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, where she was treated for her injuries. The woman stayed in hospital overnight and was released the next day.

Police examined the driveway and, based on witness interviews, and after speaking with the 32-year-old male driver of the car, who remained at the scene and is co-operating with police, determined he may not have seen the woman prior to driving over her. The investigation is continuing.

“Our officers would like to extend a heartfelt thank you the bystanders for their life-saving efforts,” said Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman, in a press release. “Without their immediate assistance this incident may have ended tragically.”


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