The BC Coroners Service has confirmed that impairment by drugs or alcohol has been ruled out as a factor in a tragic Surrey motor vehicle incident in which six people died.

Fraser Regional Coroner Vincent Stancato said that toxicology results received from the Provincial Toxicology Centre show no indication of impairment due to alcohol, illicit drugs, or prescription or over-the-counter medications in the blood of Daniel Mark Gore.

Mr. Gore, aged 46 from Surrey, was the driver and sole occupant of a mini-van which hit a car broadside at the intersection of 32nd Avenue and 176th Street (Pacific Highway) in Surrey at about 11 a.m. on April 28.

The five occupants of the car were all deceased at the scene. They are: Pawandeep Arjot, aged 31, Annish Sachdeva, aged five, Jessica Sachdeva, aged three, Neelam Rani Dhingra, aged 47, and Vidya Wanti Sachdeva, aged 68, all from Surrey.

With impairment ruled out as a factor, the coroner's investigation into the cause of the collision is continuing. Mr. Gore died in hospital seven days after the crash. During his time in hospital, he was diagnosed with a serious medical condition unrelated to the injuries he sustained in the MVI.

For further information, please contact:

Barb McLintock
Coroner, Strategic Programs
BC Coroners Service
250 356-9253