Elderly Langley couple struck, one killed in Willoughby tonight

The setting sun over Willoughby tonight is being blamed for a pedestrian accident that killed one elderly man and sent an elderly woman to hospital.

Police are expected to be on scene of the fatal accident for some time to come, at the intersection of 198B Street and 72^nd Avenue.

The accident occurred just after 7 p.m., said Langley RCMP Cpl. Holly Marks.

The pair was crossing 72^nd Avenue, southbound, when hit by a westbound vehicle.

The 83-year-old man and the 79-year-old woman were airlifted to hospital.

But subsequently the man, Marks said, “was critical injuries, and sadly, has passed away.”

In the meantime, the woman sustained what the Mounties described as “non-life threatening injuries” and will remain in hospital for treatment.

The driver of the vehicle remained at the accident scene, and Marks said is cooperating with the investigation.

“Neither alcohol nor speed appear to be factors in the collision. Witnesses suggest the setting sun may have caused visibility issues for the driver,” she added.

Langley RCMP’s traffic division is working with members of the Integrated Collision Analyst and Reconstruction Service (ICARS) at the scene.

Meanwhile, victim services is assisting the  family of the two pedestrians, as well as the driver.

Langley Mounties are now asking for the public’s help. Anyone who witnessed the crash, and who has not yet spoken with the police, is asked to call the Langley RCMP at 604-532-3200.