Skip to main content

The Pattullo Bridge links the B.C. communities of Surrey and New Westminster.Jeff Vinnick/The Globe and Mail

British Columbia's police watchdog is investigating a fatality on or near the Pattullo Bridge, east of Vancouver.

The Independent Investigations Office says several police agencies responded to a person in distress at about 3 a.m.

The civilian agency says police have reported that the person did not survive.

The bridge that connects New Westminster and Surrey was closed until about 9 a.m., causing gridlock on other routes into Vancouver during the morning rush.

New Westminster Police issued a news release a short time later, confirming the IIO was contacted and had taken over the investigation.

The IIO investigates police matters involving serious injury or death.

Interact with The Globe