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'Cash Cab' Strikes, Kills Pedestrian In Vancouver

VANCOUVER (CBS) -- A pedestrian was struck and killed in Vancouver Friday by a fake taxi used in the Canadian version of the TV game show "Cash Cab."

Vancouver police said the 61-year-old man was struck in the city's Downtown Eastside district late Friday night, and died in a hospital shortly after the incident.

The accident occurred as a producer was driving the replica cab back to a storage facility after filming for the day had been completed, according to Andrew Burnstein, president of Castlewood Productions Inc., which produces the show's Canadian version.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and his friends and his family." said Burnstein. "My heart also goes out to the driver of the vehicle, a member of our technical staff, who is shaken and devastated by this tragic accident, as is our entire team."

On "Cash Cab," broadcast in North America on the Discovery Channel, unassuming people who flag down a replica yellow taxi become instant contestants on a game show, answering trivia questions for cash prizes.

"Cash Cab" also has a Chicago version, hosted by former Second City member Beth Melewski. Versions are also produced in New York, Australia, Japan, and the U.K. where the game show originated.

(TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS Radio and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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