Vancouver bus driver dies after being pinned between buses

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — The longtime Coast Mountain Bus Company worker critically injured in an incident earlier this week has died in hospital.

Charanjit Parhar, 64, has been identified by his union as the worker pinned between two buses as he was dealing with a mechanical issue on his bus near Cambie and Cordova streets on Monday around 8:30 a.m..

According to Unifor Local 111, there will be a moment of silence Wednesday at 3 p.m., and all buses and Seabuses “will stop for a moment of reflection.”

Flags will fly at half-staff for Parhar on Friday, and workers will wear black ribbons in remembrance.

Our hearts are heavy. pic.twitter.com/UlO1WgMMhh

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President of the union, Balbir Mann, shared the announcement on Facebook and reiterated thanks from Parhar’s family.

“It is with profound sadness that I have to announce the passing of our brother. Members of Cmbc, Unifor, mechanics, depot staff and anyone who knew or worked with brother Charanjit Parhar, the family thanks you for your prayers and support,” the post reads.

Mann adds the family wishes to keep this a private matter. Out of respect for the family, “We will attempt to pass on arrangement information if allowed by the family.”

“The circumstances of this fatality are heartbreaking,” VPD Constable Tania Visintin says.

VPD’s Collision Investigation Unit is working with Coast Mountain Bus Company and Worksafe BC to determine the cause of the collision.