Chi Sun Park, a 35-year-old man from Surrey, has been charged with 15 criminal offenses following a fatal collision on February 18, 2024, on Highway 1 in Burnaby. The crash involved a parked Uber Tesla and a Chevrolet SUV, resulting in the death of two young women and serious injuries to three others. The group, friends from Maple Ridge, had been returning home after a birthday celebration when the incident occurred near the Sprott Street off-ramp. Police allege Park was impaired by methamphetamines at the time of the collision, which has prompted a thorough investigation and forthcoming court proceedings scheduled for July 2025.
Details of the Collision
The fatal crash took place on the evening of February 18, 2024, near the Sprott Street off-ramp on Highway 1 in Burnaby. Authorities reported that the collision involved a Chevrolet SUV driven by Chi Sun Park and a parked Uber vehicle, a Tesla Model 3. The Uber car had been stopped on the highway, awaiting its next passenger.
The impact resulted in the deaths of two women, both in their early twenties, who were passengers in the Chevrolet SUV. Additionally, three other passengers, also friends from Maple Ridge attending the same birthday celebration, sustained serious injuries and were subsequently hospitalized. Emergency responders arrived promptly on the scene to provide assistance.
Charges and Investigation
Following a detailed investigation, the Burnaby RCMP charged Chi Sun Park with 15 criminal offenses. These charges include impaired driving causing death, impaired driving causing bodily harm, dangerous driving causing death, dangerous driving causing bodily harm, and other related offenses. Police have stated that toxicology reports indicated Park was under the influence of methamphetamines at the time of the crash.
The investigation, led by the Integrated Collision Analysis Reconstruction Team (ICART), involved gathering forensic evidence, witness statements, and reviewing vehicle data logs to piece together events leading to the crash.
Impact on the Community
The incident has profoundly affected the community, with local officials expressing condolences to the families of the victims. Friends and community members from Maple Ridge have organized vigils to honor those lost in the tragic event. Public discussions have also centered around the dangers of impaired driving and the need for enhanced road safety measures on Highway 1.
Upcoming Legal Proceedings
Chi Sun Park’s next court appearance is scheduled for July 2025, where he will face trial on the charges laid against him. Legal representatives for both the prosecution and defense are currently preparing their cases. The Burnaby RCMP and local Crown prosecutors have emphasized their commitment to a thorough and fair judicial process.
Ongoing Developments
Authorities continue to monitor the situation and have advised the public that new information may be released as the investigation progresses. Highway 1 remains a focus for road safety initiatives following this incident, with potential measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The fatal collision on February 18, 2024, on Highway 1 in Burnaby has resulted in significant legal actions, ongoing investigations, and community impact. With Chi Sun Park charged with multiple criminal offenses related to impaired and dangerous driving, the case highlights the serious consequences of substance-impaired driving. As the affected families and community members continue to mourn and advocate for safety, authorities remain committed to thorough investigation and judicial proceedings. The upcoming trial and continued road safety efforts aim to address both justice for the victims and prevention of future incidents on this critical highway corridor.
