Worker shares the first thing she did after the incident
Ruby Punzalan, a 43-year-old area manager for A&W, has been unable to work since a car crashed into the North Vancouver restaurant where she was working on March 16. The impact knocked hot oil out of the fryer, causing severe burns. Punzalan will be out of work for at least a year due to her injuries.
In an interview with CTV News on Thursday, Punzalan described the harrowing moments following the crash. “I got up, ran outside, called my mom and the first thing I said was, ‘I think I’m going to get blind,’” she recalled. “I felt so much heat in my face, my arms, and my legs. It’s a very scary thing.”
Punzalan was rushed to intensive care and spent weeks in the hospital after the incident. “I had no idea – until one of my nurses told me – I went code blue (for cardiac arrest) and I was shocked (with a defibrillator),” she said. “I almost lost my life because of the incident.”
The crash occurred at 920 Marine Dr. in North Vancouver when a driver, attempting to enter the drive-thru, plowed into the restaurant. Photos from the scene showed minimal damage to the vehicle, a Subaru Outback. North Vancouver RCMP confirmed that the driver is under investigation for being under the influence of alcohol, though no charges have been filed.
Funding and support for the injured worker
Roger Milad, the owner of the North Vancouver A&W, launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Punzalan’s family. The campaign has raised nearly $29,000 towards its $100,000 goal. “It was terrible what happened to her. I just wanted her to feel that she was loved and thought of,” Milad said.
WorkSafeBC is covering 90% of Punzalan’s salary, but she has not received compensation from ICBC, CTV News noted. “When someone is injured while working, including injuries resulting from a car crash, it’s a WorkSafe claim,” said ICBC spokesperson Greg Harper. “ICBC will cover any benefits needed that aren’t covered from WorkSafe.” The corporation highlighted that if the driver is convicted of a criminal offense, Punzalan may pursue legal action.
