Boy aged 4 dead, mother critical, after being pinned under bus at B.C. ferry terminal

Police say a four-year-old boy is dead and his mother is in critical condition after they were pinned under a bus in West Vancouver, B.C.

West Vancouver Police say a second woman, believed to be a family friend, is in a stable condition after the Wednesday afternoon tragedy at the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal.

Police say the boy was pronounced dead at the scene and his mother and her friend were transported to Lions Gate Hospital.

TransLink confirms one of its buses and a driver were involved in the incident and says it's supporting the West Vancouver Police Department, which is leading the investigation.

Police say the driver is co-operating fully with investigators and is being interviewed by police. 

They say the bus has been seized for mechanical inspection.

"While the investigation is still in its early stages, preliminary findings suggest that speed was not a contributing factor," police said in a statement.

"The West Vancouver Police Department is working in collaboration with the Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service and the Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement branch to determine the full circumstances surrounding this tragic event."

Police say a criminal offence has not been ruled out.

The public is being asked to avoid the area.

RCMP Cpl. Dave Noon said a nearby intersection would remain closed for several hours as police investigate.

Police are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam or other video footage from Keith Road and Bay Street around 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday to come forward.

They said investigators would only release confirmed information "in a manner that respects the privacy and well-being of the victims and their families and preserves the integrity of the investigative process."

"This is a life-altering and heartbreaking incident that has profoundly impacted the victims, their families, witnesses, and the broader community as a whole," the police statement said.

"We encourage anyone who is struggling after witnessing this event to reach out."

TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn issued a statement, saying they are heartbroken by this tragic incident.

"Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and everyone affected by this devastating event. We also want to acknowledge the impact this may have on those who witnessed what happened."

Quinn added that they are supporting the West Vancouver Police Department in the investigation.

The BC Ferry and Marine Workers Union said in a statement that it was "grateful and proud" of assistance offered at the scene by its members, who were trained to help in emergencies.

"We know this tragedy deeply affected every member at the terminal," the union said.

West Vancouver's mayor and council issued a statement on social media saying, "our thoughts are with all those impacted and we are grateful for those helping at this difficult time."

Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward