High winds results in multiple accidents on Highway 22

Blown over semi on Highway 22
C. Davis photos/images/video

Chris Davis and Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

On Friday evening, April 26, 2013, Highway 22 was closed briefly due to a combination of high winds and multiple accidents, with the first call coming in to Pincher Creek Emergency Services at about 9:00 pm.

RCMP responded, as did Pincher Creek Emergency Services, including Lundbreck Fire, Pincher Creek Rescue, and  Pincher Creek Ambulance.  One person was taken to Pincher Creek Hospital with undetermined injuries.

(Caution: Loud wind volume, turn down your speakers)

The northbound lane of Highway 22 was briefly blocked approximately 3 km north of Highway 3 by the first incident, involving a pickup truck which was towing a trailer.  The pickup remained upright but the trailer did not fare as well.  Another vehicle towing a trailer was blown over nearby while that incident was being dealt with, resulting in both lanes of the highway being blocked for a time.

C. Davis photos

Two semi-trailers were also blown off the road.  A rupture in a fuel container being transported by one of those vehicles spilled onto the highway.  Three recreational vehicles in total were blown off the highway Friday evening.

RCMP and Pincher Creek Emergency Services responded to another accident at approximately 9:30 am today, Saturday April 27 , this one a recreational vehicle also blown over on Highway 22. Pincher Creek Rescue, Pincher Creek Ambulance, and Lundbreck Fire responded.   Three people were transported to Pincher Creek Hospital with undetermined injuries.

Believe it

High winds gusting over 100 km an hour continue at this time in the area, and a wind warning has been issued by Environment Canada for Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, and Waterton Lakes National Park.


Winds are expected to diminish this evening.

Corrected for accuracy.