A tragic collision shakes a quiet Surrey neighbourhood as residents demand justice and reform.
A Life Lost, Two Injured: What Happened on April 12 in Surrey
A devastating hit-and-run on the evening of April 12, 2025, shattered the peace of Surrey’s Port Kells area. One child lost their life, and two others suffered serious injuries after a vehicle struck them near 100 Avenue and 124 Street. The Surrey hit-and-run driver fled the scene, but Surrey RCMP later arrested the suspect, according to Surrey Now-Leader.
Emergency crews arrived quickly, but the tragedy had already taken its toll. The neighbourhood is grieving—and demanding answers about the Surrey hit-and-run.
The Bigger Picture: Reckless Driving and Pedestrian Safety in B.C.
This heartbreaking event highlights a broader issue: the rising threat of reckless driving and insufficient pedestrian safety infrastructure in growing B.C. cities like Surrey.
Data from ICBC reveals pedestrian fatalities in the Lower Mainland have increased by over 20% since 2020. Experts blame speeding in residential zones, distracted driving, and outdated urban planning as contributing factors to incidents like the Surrey hit-and-run.
“Surrey’s rapid expansion needs to come with smarter, safer streets,” says a representative from Vision Zero Canada, a national road safety initiative. “We need protected crosswalks, lower speed limits, and driver awareness campaigns now more than ever.”
Residents have raised similar concerns before—just last year, community groups petitioned for safer school zones in Newton and Fleetwood.
Read more: Vancouver Tragedy: Guilty Pleas in Fatal Dangerous Driving Case – A Community Struggles with Loss and Justice
Also of interest: Gridlock in the Tunnel: How the April 2025 Massey Crash Unraveled Richmond’s Commute
Emotional Fallout and Public Response
Memorials now line the sidewalk—flowers, candles, and teddy bears laid gently near the impact site. Over the weekend, a candlelight vigil drew dozens of residents who shared their sorrow and frustration over the Surrey hit-and-run.
Online, community outrage is building. Hashtags like #JusticeForSurreyKids and #SafeStreetsNow are trending on X (formerly Twitter), calling for justice and reform. Public figures and local leaders have offered condolences, but residents want action—not condolences.
“This could’ve been any of our kids,” said one parent through tears. “We shouldn’t have to grieve to get change after a Surrey hit-and-run.”
The psychological toll of such an event cannot be overstated. Studies show that traffic-related trauma has lasting effects on children, families, and communities (Canadian Public Health Association).
Related reading: Rising Mpox Cases in Vancouver: Understanding the Surge and Preventative Measures
Explore more: Heartfelt Gratitude: Celebrating Fraser Health’s Compassionate Care on April 7, 2025
What Comes Next: Accountability, Action, and Advocacy
Authorities confirmed the arrest of the suspect and a full investigation is underway. Legal proceedings are expected to begin within weeks, with charges potentially including criminal negligence causing death and failure to remain at the scene of a collision, specifically related to the Surrey hit-and-run.
Meanwhile, safety advocates are demanding swift reforms:
- Install traffic-calming measures in high-risk zones
- Improve signage near schools and parks
- Launch community-driven safety campaigns
- Increase driver accountability with stronger penalties, especially in cases like a hit-and-run
City officials say they’re reviewing the area’s infrastructure after the hit-and-run, but many fear that promises will fade with time—unless sustained public pressure continues.
As Surrey processes its grief over the hit-and-run, one thing is clear: this tragedy cannot fade into another statistic. It must become the tipping point for lasting change.
