Trans-Canada Highway collision near Abbotsford leaves homeless woman dead

The Trans-Canada Highway through Abbotsford, B.C.was closed for several hours following a fatal collision involving a pedestrian early Wednesday morning.

The route was closed between McCallumRoad and Sumas Way after a female pedestrian was struck and killed just before12:30 a.m. PT in the eastbound lanes just west of the Sumas Way exit.

The woman was later described by police as a 46-year-old with no fixed address. Her name was not released.

The driver, a 28-year-old man from Abbotsford, remained on the scene and is cooperating with investigators, said Cpl. Ronda McEwen, aspokeswomanfor B.C. RCMP Traffic Services, in a statement.

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"We understand the driver then put his own safety at risk, trying unsuccessfully to stop other oncoming vehicles from hitting the woman. He was understandably distraught about this tragic event," said McEwen.

Motorists who came upon the scene just after the collision reported seeing debris resemblinggarbage strewn all over the highway. One car could be seen with substantial damage to its front endand windshield.

Const. Pete Ostrom, with the Upper Fraser Valley RCMP,said neither speed nor alcohol are factors in the crash.

Ostrom said it was not immediately clear what the woman was doing on the highway at the time, as there's a tunnel underneath the highway at that location.

Several vehicles were pulled over tothe side of the highwayasRCMP officerstook witness statements and checked vehicles for possible evidence, but police are still looking to talk to some witnesses.

"At this time, investigators have not identified the othervehicles involved and are asking drivers to come forward and assist with the investigation. Police are also asking anyone with information about what led to the accidentor witnessed the collision to contact Fraser Valley Traffic Services at 604-702-4039," said McEwen.