2 drivers killed in separate crashes on Vancouver Island

Two people are dead following two separate vehicle crashes in the Comox Valley and Coombs on Friday night, according to RCMP.

The first crash occurred around 9:30 p.m. at the intersection of the off-ramp to the Inland Island Highway and Comox Valley Parkway.

Comox Valley RCMP said a 33-year-old woman driving one of the vehicles involved was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver and passenger of the second vehicle were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

"Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of the woman who lost her life in this heartbreaking incident," Const. Monika Terragni said in a statement on Saturday.

Police say a collision reconstruction team was brought in to assist with the investigation, which caused significant traffic delays in the area for several hours. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

An hour later, at around 10:30 p.m., another fatal crash occurred on Highway 4 near Kirk Road in Coombs, south of Comox Valley.

According to Oceanside RCMP's preliminary investigation, an eastbound Toyota Echo crossed the centre line of the two-lane highway and collided with a westbound Ford Focus headed toward Port Alberni.

Police said the 31-year-old driver of the Toyota, a man from Parksville, was pronounced dead at the scene. The two occupants of the Ford Focus were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

First responders said they found the Toyota Echo engulfed in flames upon arrival.

RCMP, along with the B.C. Coroners Service, continue to investigate the cause of the crash and police say they have not ruled out the possibility that either excessive speed or impaired driving could have contributed to the crash.

Anyone with dashcam footage or who witnessed either incident is asked to contact Comox Valley or Oceanside RCMP.