An early morning crash at Blanshard and Bay streets has left a 20-year-old Saanich woman dead, according to Victoria police.

Police were called to the area around 12:30 a.m. Sunday after a report of a very serious single-vehicle collision. Police said a newer-model white sedan, had struck a light standard at what appeared to be a significant speed.

article continues below

Attending officers noted that a woman was seated in the passenger seat. Paramedics who arrived soon after confirmed that she was dead.

Witnesses told police the vehicle was traveling southbound on Blanshard Street at about 130 km/h. The vehicle then struck a light standard on the southwest corner of Blanshard and Bay streets.

Police are investigating whether alcohol and significant speed were contributing factors in the accident.

The driver, a 24-year-old Saanich man, was injured in the collision, but his injuries were considered non-life-threatening, police said. He was taken to hospital, and the investigation continues.

The intersection was closed to vehicle traffic for several hours.