Photo courtesy BC RCMP
NANAIMO, B.C. — A black SUV plowed into a busy sushi restaurant in downtown Nanaimo on Monday evening, causing extensive damage and sending several patrons to hospital with minor injuries.
Emergency crews were called to the scene at approximately 7:45 p.m. on May 18, 2026, after reports that a vehicle had driven directly into the front of a local Japanese restaurant. Police, fire crews and BC Emergency Health Services paramedics arrived to find the SUV lodged in the building’s storefront, with significant damage to both the exterior and interior of the eatery.
Several restaurant patrons suffered minor injuries in the crash, while others were left visibly shaken by the incident, according to witnesses at the scene.
Investigators quickly identified the alleged driver, described as a man in his 40s. Based on observations at the scene, officers detained him on suspicion of impaired driving by drugs. He was later transported to hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
The vehicle has since been towed to a secure facility, where it will undergo a forensic examination as part of the ongoing investigation.
No charges have been laid at this time, and the cause of the collision remains under active investigation.
Nanaimo RCMP are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact their non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.
