Hit and run claims lives of 2 Coquitlam, B.C., pedestrians

Two people died in Coquitlam B.C. Wednesday afternoon, the victims of a hit and run that happened shortly before 3:30 p.m. PT.

Coquitlam RCMP said the two pedestrians, a man and a woman in their 60s, were struck by a grey Dodge pickup truck that was turning from Gatensbury Street onto Austin Avenue. The victims died at the scene.

Coquitlam RCMP Cpl. Jamie Chung said the driver fled the area, but was located by police nearby.

"After the collision, the vehicle stopped briefly and then took off," he said. "Later on we received information that the vehicle was parked somewhere close to here and we were able to locate a vehicle and place the driver under arrest."

Chung said police now need more witnesses to come forward.

"We need to speak to witnesses. If you witnessed the crash and have not spoken to a police officer, call us," he said in a written plea.

As of 4 p.m. PT, police asked drivers to avoid the area, after closing Austin Avenue between Schoolhouse Street and Marmont Street in both directions for the investigation. The road was re-opened to traffic after 9 p.m. Wednesday night.