Witness sought in Surrey crash that killed teen

Surrey RCMP are looking for a driver who may have witnessed a fatal crash between a motorcycle and three teenage girls just before noon Wednesday on 128 Street near 68 Avenue.

AmarpreetSivia, 16, was killed in the collision. The two other girls, whose names have not been released, were seriously injured, along with the rider on the motorcycle, when the bike struck the teens as they were crossing the street.

Investigators are specifically looking to speak with the driver ofan unidentified vehicle thatpassed by the motorcyclistleading up to thecollision, said Cpl. BertPaquet.

"The initial investigation has indicated thatthe motorcyclist was travelling southbound on128thStreet in the slow lane when it changed lanes around another vehicle (unknownmake, model, colour)before colliding with the three students,"Paquetsaid in statement issued on Thursday morning.

"Anyone who may have witnessed this vehicleis asked to contact the Surrey RCMP Criminal Collision Investigation Team (CCIT) at604-599-0502."

Meanwhile, counsellors were expected at Princess Margaret Secondary School,where all three girls were students, this morning to offer help to other students.

Crosswalks needed?

Students likeInderpreetLailsay the road is dangerous because there aren't enough crosswalks for students trying to get to local restaurants.

We only get a certain amount of time for lunch,Lailsaid.

There is like 30 to 45 minutes only and no one is going to take the longer way to get food if you want it for lunch and stuff."

In 2010, officials at Princess Margaret Secondary asked the City of Surrey for a crosswalk in that area but the request was deemed unnecessary after a traffic review.

City responds to concerns

Surrey city councillor Barinder Rasode says when the assessment was done, it was not a high accident area, and that national engineering standards are used to determine if a crosswalk is needed.

Do we need to take a look at those standards and reconfigure them in school areas? Thats the conversation we need to have, says Rasode, adding the decision about a crosswalk at Princes Margaret will be reviewed on Sept.30.

This has not only shaken the community, but also the staff who work very diligently under those standards, says Rasode.

ButSurrey Mayor Diane Watts says more needs to be done to educate young people on crossing busy streets, but shes not convinced one crosswalk will solve the problem.

"You know we could put a crosswalk, in one area and it'll be needed in another area, says Watts.

It's working at it together and making sure that everyone has a role to play and how we go forward in making sure the streets are safe."

Watts says the city will waitfor the RCMP investigation to conclude before the city decides what steps to take next.