Eastern Health says the pedestrian tragically killed on the Trans-Canada Highway, east of the Foxtrap Access Road, early this morning was a patient of the health authority.
In a news release, Eastern Health president and CEO Vickie Kaminski said, “On behalf of Eastern Health, I offer my heartfelt condolences to the patient’s family.”
Eastern Health said the patient was being transported from a health-care facility within its region to a health-care facility in St. John’s by a private ambulance service.
According to the release, "during the transport, the ambulance stopped along the highway due to the patient’s condition. While the vehicle was stopped, the patient left the ambulance and ran into a wooded area.The ambulance service contacted the police to assist in the search for the patient." Unfortunately, shortly afterwards, the patient was tragically killed by a vehicle on the Trans-Canada Highway.
While an investigation into the accident is being conducted by the RCMP, Eastern Health is looking into the circumstances that occurred prior to and during the transport of the patient.
Eastern Health said there is limited additional information it can provide at this time, as it has to protect the privacy of the patient and family. However, Eastern Health continues to gather factual information relevant to the tragedy.
Media reports have indicated the victim was around 19 or 20 years of age. However, that hasn't been confirmed yet by police.
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Media reports say this morning's accident just east of the Foxtrap Access Road is a pedestrian fatality.
Avalon East District/Holyrood RCMP have been on the scene in the east bound lane for hours.
The crash occurred around 3 a.m.
The lane has been closed and will remain closed until further notice.
All eastbound traffic is being diverted down the Foxtrap Access road to proceed along Route 60 (the old Conception Bay Highway).
Further details will be released as they become available.
