SIU investigating fatal car crash; elementary school closed

Journal Staff Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit is looking into the death of a driver involved in a single-vehicle collision on Russell St. N. today.

Journal Staff

Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit is looking into the death of a driver involved in a single-vehicle collision on Russell St. N. today.

Sarnia Police said the SIU was notified after an officer on general patrol saw a vehicle heading northbound on Russell that had committed a driving offence shortly after 4 a.m.

The vehicle drove past the officer in an effort to evade police, and a short time later collided with a fence on the west side of Russell, near Maria Street, police said.

The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

The SIU’s mandate is to investigate incidents involving police officers that result in serious injury, death or allegations of sexual assault.

Russell Street is closed today at Hanna Memorial School while investigators work the scene.

Classes at the elementary school were cancelled. Teachers are connecting with families to provide details on remote learning today.

Hanna Memorial is expected to reopen Thursday, the Lambton Kent District School Board said.