Taxi Driver Struck And Killed After Pulling Over For Another Crash
Posted February 14, 2010 12:42 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Police are searching for a suspect after a taxi driver was killed in an overnight crash on Highway 427.
Shortly before 4am Sunday, the victim was driving his Chevrolet south on the highway when he was in a collision that forced him to pull over at the Eglinton Avenue exit.
Police say the other driver fled the scene, leaving the cabbie at the side of the road.
But while waiting for help to arrive, the taxi driver stepped out of his vehicle and he and his car were hit by a southbound GMC Envoy.
“We were contacted and we were on our way as soon as possible and unfortunately things unfolded rather quickly,” said OPP Constable Graham Williamson.
“There’s a tremendous amount of damage which would indicate a high rate of speed at the time of the collision.”
The victim was pronounced dead at the scene but the driver of the Envoy was not hurt.
Now police are seeking the public’s help to find the person who fled after the first crash. Debris found at the scene suggests the suspect was driving a red 2005 Hyundai Elantra, possibly a GT model, with damage to the rear left corner.
And despite the injuries and deaths that have occurred when people have stepped out of their cars on the side of the highway, Constable Williamson says it may sometimes make sense to leave the vehicle.
“You have to take each situation and judge accordingly. You can’t give a standard answer as to whether it’s safe to stay in the vehicle, get out of the vehicle or what. However, contact emergency assistance as soon as possible by using 911.”
The highway was closed for about seven hours for the investigation.
If you can help, call the OPP at 416-235-4981 or 1-888-310-1122.
