Drivers charged in crosswalk death of Brazilian student

Two men have been charged in connection with the death of a Brazilian exchange student struck in a notoriousBurnaby, B.C., crosswalk nearly a year ago.

Fernanda Girotto, 14, was killed at the crossing on Cariboo Road south of Highway 1 just after 7 a.m. PT onJan. 17.

Paul Oliver Wong, 46, and Kai Man Cheu, 58, were charged under the Motor Vehicle Act last month. Burnaby RCMP confirmed the charges Monday.

Wong is accused of driving without due care and attention as well as failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.

Cheuhas been charged withdriving without due care and attention, unsafe passing on the left and crossing a solid double line.

Mounties said two people have been charged because investigators believe there were two impacts.

The section of Cariboo Road is near an off-ramp from Highway 1. Drivers exit the freeway, thenround a corner andtravel up a rise before heading south on CaribooRoad.

A cyclist was hit and injured in the same area several days afterGirottowas killed. The back-to-back collisions promptedcalls for new trafficlights at the crossing.

Locals saidthe intersection sees a dangerous combination ofhigh speed and poor visibility.

Wong and Cheuare expected in court Monday.