Vancouver taxi goes up in flames in carjacking and collision

A carjacking in the Vancouver Eastside last night resulted in a collision that caused a taxi to explode into flames.

According to Vancouver Police, the incident began at approximately 7:15 pm when a Black Top Cab stopped at the intersection of West Hastings Street and Carrall Street. A man jumped into the taxi and forced the driver from the van.

The driver was physically assaulted several times, but only incurred minor injuries.

The thief then sped off in the taxi, traveling southbound on Carrall Street. A few minutes later, police received reports of a taxi being driven at a high rate of speed in the area of Prior Street and the East Georgia Viaduct. There was also a report of a collision between a taxi and another vehicle at the intersection of Clark Drive and Venables Street.

Upon arriving at the scene, officers found the taxi in flames and a citizen holding a man on the ground. It was later determined that the thief had left the taxi and attempted to carjack another vehicle stopped for a red light on the westbound direction on Venables Street at Clark Drive.

A 40-year-old woman from North Vancouver was the victim in the attempted carjacking. While she was not injured, police say she was “extremely” shaken up in the ordeal.

Police have arrested a 34-year-old man from Burnaby who is facing potential charges for robbery and remains in custody. The investigation is ongoing.