The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. have been called in to investigate

The RCMP cruiser was damaged in the crash and the intersection had been shut down

COQUITLAM (NEWS 1130) – Five people, including a police officer, have been taken to hospital after a crash in Coquitlam Saturday evening, prompting B.C. police watchdog to investigate.

Around 5:45 p.m. Saturday Coquitlam Police were responding to a call, but despite emergency lights and sirens on, they were one of five vehicles struck at the intersection of Lougheed Highway and Westwood Street.

Coquitlam RCMP say five people suffered “serious but not life-threatening” injuries.

Impaired or distracted driving are not thought to be factors here, and everyone involved is co-operating with police.

NEWS 1130 listeners reported seeing an RCMP cruiser with a crumpled hood.

The intersection had been blocked off for an investigation by the Criminal Collision Investigation Team, but has since opened.

The Independent Investigations Office of B.C., which looks into all police-involved situations in which someone is injured, has been called in.

Officers are using this opportunity to tell drivers to be more aware around intersections, and remember that emergency vehicles could be passing through them at any time.