A White Rock senior who was trapped after her vehicle flipped in a collision Wednesday was lucky to escape with fairly minor injuries, police say.
Surrey RCMP Cpl. Bert Paquet said the 76-year-old woman was westbound on 24 Avenue, turning left onto 156 Street, when her Toyota Corolla was struck by an eastbound GMC van.
Witnesses said both vehicles were in the intersection on a red light at the time of the collision, which occurred just after 5 p.m.
The Corolla suffered extensive damage to both sides and emergency crews had to cut the roof off to free the driver. She was transported to Peace Arch Hospital with injuries to her left arm.
The driver of the van, a 69-year-old Surrey man, was uninjured.
Both vehicles had to be towed from the scene.
While cause of the crash remains under investigation, Paquet said a number of witnesses reported that the sun in the western sky was extremely bright at the time.
Paquet said the crash is a reminder to motorists to ensure the way is clear – "no matter what the colour of the light" – before proceeding through an intersection.
"Take the extra time, make sure you're safe," he said.