Police say excessive speed could be to blame for a fiery, single-car crash on Westminster Highway, outside Terra Nova’s shopping plaza, Sunday morning.

Eyewitness reports also claim alcohol may have been a factor in the dramatic incident, which led to a black SUV ending up in the middle of a piece of public art and engulfed in flames at about 6:20 a.m.

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However, Richmond RCMP gave no indication that alcohol played a part, instead pointing to speed as the main factor behind the bizarre crash.

“A black 2017 Mercedes SUV was located in an ornamental fountain at Terra Nova Village shopping mall,” said Richmond RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Dennis Hwang.

“The Mercedes was heavily damaged and engulfed in flames. A female driver in her early 20s managed to escape the vehicle and was transported to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

“A tree and a lamp standard were also heavily damaged by the vehicle.”

According to one eyewitness at the crash site, a young female driver appeared to lose control of her SUV and crashed into the public art display (a large ring sculpture) next to Imperial City Bistro at Westminster and Blanshard Drive.

She was seen sitting by herself on the curb, moments after the accident.

Witnesses said the area is busy with morning joggers and it’s fortunate no one was injured, or killed.

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