Woman criminally charged in West Vancouver crash that killed 2 foreign students

The wreckage of a fatal crash on the Trans-Canada Highway in West Vancouver, B.C., in June 2024.

A young woman is facing criminal charges in connection with a head-on collision in West Vancouver, B.C., that killed two international students last summer.

Authorities said there were four Indian nationals – all with temporary student visas, and all between the ages of 19 and 21 – travelling together on the Trans-Canada Highway when their car was struck by a vehicle that was heading east in the westbound lanes.

The two survivors were hospitalized with serious injuries.

On Thursday, the West Vancouver Police Department announced Melesesh Sahalo, 25, has been charged with two counts of dangerous driving causing death and two counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm in connection with the June 26 crash.

“This was a detailed and lengthy investigation into a terribly tragic event, and we are pleased to have charges sworn,” said Sgt. John McCormack, in a statement.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the survivors and to the family and friends of those who were killed that day.”

Sahalo is scheduled to appear in North Vancouver provincial court next Wednesday.