A nine-year-old child died Sunday morning after sustaining serious injuries in a single-vehicle accident on Shawnigan Lake Road, near Sooke Lake Road.
A 49-year-old driver of a silver Honda, identified by B.C. Ambulance as the girl’s father, received minor injuries in the crash that saw the north-bound vehicle lose control and strike a utility pole at approximately 8 a.m.
The man and girl were taken to Victoria General Hospital for treatment of their injuries, but the nine-year-old died in hospital.
Police say the preliminary investigation into the incident indicates that speed may have been a factor in the accident.
Police are continuing the investigation and anyone who has any information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Shawnigan Lake RCMP at 250-743-5514.
The girl, whose name has not yet been released, was a student at Wishart Elementary School in Sooke.
Jim Cambridge, superintendent of the Sooke School District, said the Canadian flag at the girl’s school is flying at half mast out of respect for her and her family.
He said the school is considering holding a celebration of life for the student, but is waiting to hear back from the family on their wishes.
The girl was an atom player for Juan de Fuca Minor Hockey and the pair were travelling to one of her games at the time of the collision.