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| RCMP helicopter on patrol near Lynx Creek Daneen Potter photo |
It was a busy weekend for law enforcement and Emergency Services in Alberta this May Victoria Day long weekend, but not as deadly as it has been in past years.
Integrated Traffic Units were busy, with lots of speed enforcement apparent on the highways and RCMP helicopters keeping an eye on campsites. Here's a look at some of the incidents around the province.
Pincher Creek Emergency Services had a relatively quiet long weekend
Pincher Creek Emergency Services had a relatively quiet long weekend
On Friday, May 17, 2013 Pincher Creek Emergency Services responded to a a single vehicle accident. The driver of a pickup truck pulling a camper lost control on Highway 22. The camper ended up lying on a guardrail beside the highway, with some damage to the truck. There were no injuries. Both Lundbreck and Pincher Creek Departments responded to this accident.
Pincher Creek EMS had no other accidents of fires to report for the weekend.
Fatality east of Brocket
Tragedy struck close to home late Friday night, May 17 when a 26 year-old woman was struck and killed on Highway 3 about 3 km east of Brocket, possibly by a 2x4 or 2x6 falling from a vehicle . Piikani Nation RCMP are asking for the public's help with their investigation. Read the full story by clicking here.
Fatal MVC near Onaway
Shortly after 9:00 am May 17 RCMP officers from Stony Plain attended a fatal motor vehicle collision at the intersection of Highway 43 and Township road 545 near Onaway. The early stage of the investigation indicated that an east bound garbage truck was crossing Highway 43 at the entrance to the town of Onoway when it was struck by a northbound vehicle, damaging both vehicles. As a result of this collision, two occupants in the northbound vehicle were killed. Witnesses immediately attempted to assist the deceased parties and police would like to thank them for their courage during this attempt to render help. The driver of the garbage truck did not sustain any injuries.
At approximately 10:13 pm on May 17 both lanes of Highway 24 were closed about 2 km north of Highway 23 (near High River) for more than two hours so that the roadway could be cleaned up following a motor vehicle accident there.
Fatal MVC near Onaway
Shortly after 9:00 am May 17 RCMP officers from Stony Plain attended a fatal motor vehicle collision at the intersection of Highway 43 and Township road 545 near Onaway. The early stage of the investigation indicated that an east bound garbage truck was crossing Highway 43 at the entrance to the town of Onoway when it was struck by a northbound vehicle, damaging both vehicles. As a result of this collision, two occupants in the northbound vehicle were killed. Witnesses immediately attempted to assist the deceased parties and police would like to thank them for their courage during this attempt to render help. The driver of the garbage truck did not sustain any injuries.
At approximately 10:13 pm on May 17 both lanes of Highway 24 were closed about 2 km north of Highway 23 (near High River) for more than two hours so that the roadway could be cleaned up following a motor vehicle accident there.
Slave Lake fatality
Early Saturday morning, May 18 Slave Lake RCMP responded to a single vehicle roll-over collision on Highway 88 approximately 34 km north of Slave Lake, AB. Lesser Slave Lake Fire Service and Slave Lake EMS also responded. A 31 year old male was pronounced dead at the scene, while another 27 year old male was transported to the Slave Lake Hospital. Police are continuing with the investigation. Speed and alcohol are not being ruled out as factors in the collision. |
| RCMP Constable Scott Stafford, Hwy 3 C. Davis photo |
Ponoka area fatality
At approximately 9:16 am May 18 Ponoka RCMP Integrated Traffic Services and the Ponoka Fire Dept with Emergency Medical Services were called to a collision on the QE II,12 kilometers North of Ponoka at the Menaik overpass which resulted in one fatality. A southbound 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt occupied by three people had left the roadway and rolled in the west ditch several times. One female passenger was ejected. Initial investigation are leading police to believe that the decedent, a 25 year old female of Red Deer AB was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision. The female driver, age 26 of Red Deer AB was transported by ground Ambulance to Ponoka General Hospital where she was later released. The male passenger, age 29 of Sylvan Lake AB was uninjured. Both had been wearing seatbelts. The cause of the collision remains under investigation. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor. The QE II at the time was bare and dry. Weather was sunny and clear. The QE II highway was not closed nor was traffic diverted.
Claresholm/Stavely area fatality
Claresholm/Stavely area fatality
At approximately 3:25 pm on May 18 RCMP Claresholm were dispatched to fatal motor vehicle collision which occurred on Highway 2 at the intersection with Township Road 140 approximately one mile south of Stavely, AB. A tan Pontiac Transport mini van was eastbound on a gravel road (Township Road 140) and stopped at a marked stop sign at the intersection of Highway 2. The Pontiac Transport then proceeded across the southbound lanes and was attempting to continue through the northbound lanes when it was struck by a northbound semi tractor trailer unit. The driver of the semi attempted to avoid the collision, but was not able to.
The driver of the Pontiac Transport was declared deceased at the scene. His name is being withheld pending the notification of family. The driver of the semi, a United States resident, was transported to Claresholm General Hospital as a precaution. He has since been released from the hospital.
Speed was not a factor in this incident. Alcohol was located at the scene and the investigation is continuing. No charges are anticipated. Claresholm RCMP was assisted by Fort MacLeod RCMP and RCMP K Division Traffic Services.
Edson area fatality
On Sunday May 19, 2013 at approximately 12:50 am, Edson RCMP responded to a motor vehicle collision involving a pick-up truck and a minivan.
The collision occurred at the intersection of Rodeo Road (Range Road 184) and the westbound lane of Highway 16. The 39 year old male driver of the minivan, an Edson resident, was pronounced dead at the scene, while six other individuals were injured to varying degrees and taken to hospital in Edson. Two of the injured individuals were airlifted to Edmonton for further medical treatment.
Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the collision. Edson RCMP are continuing their investigation.
The Wood Buffalo RCMP conducted an Alberta Checkstop in the evening of May 18, 2013, near Gregoire Lake Provincial Park. During the course of the operation a vehicle was identified as being suspect of containing illicit narcotics and a drug investigation commenced. Members from the Traffic Services Section, General Duty, and Police Dog Services conducted the investigation that yielded the seizure of various drugs (including Magic Mushrooms, Cocaine, and Marijuana) and the arrest of the two occupants.
The driver, a 25 year-old male from Fort McMurray, is facing charges related to Possession of Controlled Substances, as well as Possession for the Purposes of Trafficking, and a provincial driving suspension. The passenger, a 27 year-old male from Kelowna, BC, is facing similar charges as the driver in addition to counts of breaching release conditions. Both remain in police custody at this time awaiting court proceedings.
Motorcyclist fails to stop for police on Highway 2 near Crossfield, Traveling at 180 km/hr when apprehended
On Saturday, May 18 at 9: 15 am a member of the Airdrie Integrated Traffic Unit (ITU) was patrolling Highway 2 near Crossfield on a Harley Davidson police edition motorcycle. The ITU officer attempted to stop two sport motorcycles that were traveling together at about 140 km/hr in the posted 110 km/hr zone on southbound Highway 2 near Highway 72.
One of the motorcycles, a yellow Yamaha R1, stopped for the ITU officer. The second motorcycle, a blue 2011 Suzuki GSX R750 failed to stop, and fled southbound at a high rate of speed.
The ITU motorcycle officer contacted his partner - who was further south on Highway 2 - and advised of the fleeing Suzuki motorcycle. The second ITU officer was successful in apprehending the operator of the Suzuki, and witnessed the suspect traveling at about 180 km/hr while attempting to evade the first ITU officer.
As a result of this incident, the operator of the Suzuki motorcycle, a 25-year old male from Calgary, has been charged with Speeding at 70 km/hr over the posted speed limit and Speeding at 29 km/hr over the posted speed limit, Failing to stop for a Peace Officer.
In addition, the operator of the Yamaha motorcycle, a 22-year old male from Calgary, has been charged with Speeding at 26 km/hr over the posted speed limit and Operating a motorcycle without holding the proper class operators license.
Spectator killed at Edmonton Jeep demonstration
On May 18 around 1:00 pm a 20-year-old woman spectator was fatally injured when a Jeep lost control during a climbing demonstration at an event for Jeep enthusiasts held in a parking lot just west of downtown Edmonton. Paramedics performed CPR on the woman but were unable to save her.
Vehicle rollover near Brooks
On Sunday, May 19 at approximately 10:30 am Brooks RCMP and Bow Slope Fire Department responded to a single vehicle motor vehicle collision on Highway 873 at the corner of Highway 36. RCMP observed a tanker truck rolled over on its side. The vehicle had been traveling southbound on Highway 36 then turned east on Highway 873. The truck then rolled on its side while turning. The tanker was full of oil at the time of the rollover and was contained within the tank. Crews successfully transferred all oil to a second tanker truck without further incident. The driver of the vehicle escaped with no injuries. No other vehicles were involved.
Lac La Biche RCMP attend fatal collision
On May 19 at approximately 9:30 am Lac La Biche RCMP were called to a fatal motor vehicle collision north of Plamondon in a campsite area.
Plamondon Fire and EMS also attended the location. Upon arrival it was learned that a 33 year old male had been involved in a collision while riding a dirt bike. The collision occurred in the early morning hours. The male was deceased on scene and police continue to investigate. Speed and alcohol are possible contributing factors.
Vehicle collides with patio patrons, child killed
On the evening of May 19 the Edmonton Police Service was called to the scene of a collision between a vehicle and patrons dining on a restaurant patio in southwest Edmonton, which sent a father and two children to hospital, including a four-year-old child with life-threatening injuries who later succumbed to his injuries. Police suspect alcohol to be a factor in the incident, which is still under investigation.
Unlicenced Driver Clocked at 187 km/hr on Highway 2 near Crossfield
On Monday, May 20, 2013 at 8:55 AM, members of the Airdrie Integrated Traffic Unit (ITU) – consisting of Sheriff Highway Patrol and RCMP Traffic Services members - were advised of a black Nissan Altima traveling southbound on Highway 2 at a high rate of speed.
ITU officers located the Altima on southbound Highway 2 near the Highway 72 (Crossfield) overpass traveling at 187 km/hr on the posted 110 km/hr highway. When the vehicle stopped for officers, the 15-year old female driver attempted to switch seating positions with the front seat passenger in order to hide the fact that she did not have a drivers license. As a result of this incident, the 15-year old female driver, from Red Deer AB, has been charged with the following Traffic Safety Act offences:
Vehicle collides with patio patrons, child killed
On the evening of May 19 the Edmonton Police Service was called to the scene of a collision between a vehicle and patrons dining on a restaurant patio in southwest Edmonton, which sent a father and two children to hospital, including a four-year-old child with life-threatening injuries who later succumbed to his injuries. Police suspect alcohol to be a factor in the incident, which is still under investigation.
Unlicenced Driver Clocked at 187 km/hr on Highway 2 near Crossfield
On Monday, May 20, 2013 at 8:55 AM, members of the Airdrie Integrated Traffic Unit (ITU) – consisting of Sheriff Highway Patrol and RCMP Traffic Services members - were advised of a black Nissan Altima traveling southbound on Highway 2 at a high rate of speed.
ITU officers located the Altima on southbound Highway 2 near the Highway 72 (Crossfield) overpass traveling at 187 km/hr on the posted 110 km/hr highway. When the vehicle stopped for officers, the 15-year old female driver attempted to switch seating positions with the front seat passenger in order to hide the fact that she did not have a drivers license. As a result of this incident, the 15-year old female driver, from Red Deer AB, has been charged with the following Traffic Safety Act offences:
- Speeding at 77 km/hr over the posted speed limit
- Driving an uninsured motor vehicle
- Driving a motor vehicle without having a subsisting operators license
- Failing to provide valid proof of vehicle registration
The accused is scheduled to appear in Airdrie Provincial Court on July 2, 2013 at 9:30 am in relation to these charges.
Clearwater County hit and run
On Sunday, May 19, 2013 at approximately 6:10 am members of the Sundre RCMP were on patrol on Highway 584 near Rig Street in Clearwater County, Alberta, and located a pedestrian that had been the victim of a hit and run collision. The victim, a 19 year old male resident of Sundre, Alberta, was walking on the highway from a nearby camp site when he was struck by an eastbound vehicle.
Sundre Fire and EMS attended the scene and treated the victim, who was transported to Sundre Hospital, and subsequently to Calgary Foothills Hospital. The victim is currently being treated for serious injuries, and is in stable condition.
The investigation into this occurrence is continuing. Sundre RCMP are appealing to the public for any information regarding the identity of the person(s) or vehicle involved. Information can be provided by contacting the Sundre RCMP at (403) 638-3675 or Crimestoppers.
Motorcyclist dies near Cochrane after colliding with rail
On May 20, 2013 at approximately 1:30 pm Cochrane RCMP along with Emergency Services responded to a serious collision on highway 66 westbound approximately 3 kilometers west of Elbow Falls.
As a result of the investigation it is believed that westbound motorcycle driven by a 62 year old male from Calgary left the road and collided with the guard rail. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The collision is still under investigation. However, alcohol and speed are not considered to be factors in the collision.
Investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed this incident to contact the Cochrane RCMP at 403-851-8000
Serious Collision sends 5 to hospital near Vegreville
Shortly after 10:30 pm on Monday May 20, 2013 Vegreville RCMP along with the Vegreville Fire Department and ambulances from Vegreville, Viking and Two Hills were called to a collision 6 miles east of Vegreville near Lavoy, Alberta on Highway 16.
Upon arriving it was determined that a 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser had been struck from behind by a 2012 Dodge Ram pickup truck while both vehicles were traveling eastbound on Highway 16. The crash caused both vehicles to lose control, cross the median, cross over the westbound lanes and come to a stop in the ditch on the North side of the highway. The truck carried on further yet and crossed over the railway tracks which run along the highway. Luckily no Westbound vehicles were struck while the two vehicles were crossing the Westbound lanes.
Highway 16 westbound was closed for a portion of time as STARS air ambulance landed to airlift a 34 year old male passenger from the scene. The male was flown to University of Alberta hospital in critical condition. The two other occupants of the PT Cruiser were transported via ground ambulance to Vegreville, then transferred on to Edmonton hospitals with serious injuries. The driver and passenger of the truck were assessed at St Joseph's General Hospital in Vegreville where they were kept for observation with minor injuries. A total of 5 people were involved in the crash and all were transported to hospital.
Constable Curtis HARSULLA of the Vegreville RCMP says, " Although this matter is still under investigation it appears that both speed and alcohol may have been contributing factors in this collision. Evidence gathered at the scene indicates that the driver of the truck may have been drinking prior to the crash". A collision analyst/reconstructionist was on scene to gather evidence surrounding the crash.
Four charges of impaired operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm are pending against a 37 year old Vegreville man. His name has not been released pending the formal swearing of charges.
Clearwater County hit and run
On Sunday, May 19, 2013 at approximately 6:10 am members of the Sundre RCMP were on patrol on Highway 584 near Rig Street in Clearwater County, Alberta, and located a pedestrian that had been the victim of a hit and run collision. The victim, a 19 year old male resident of Sundre, Alberta, was walking on the highway from a nearby camp site when he was struck by an eastbound vehicle.
Sundre Fire and EMS attended the scene and treated the victim, who was transported to Sundre Hospital, and subsequently to Calgary Foothills Hospital. The victim is currently being treated for serious injuries, and is in stable condition.
The investigation into this occurrence is continuing. Sundre RCMP are appealing to the public for any information regarding the identity of the person(s) or vehicle involved. Information can be provided by contacting the Sundre RCMP at (403) 638-3675 or Crimestoppers.
Motorcyclist dies near Cochrane after colliding with rail
On May 20, 2013 at approximately 1:30 pm Cochrane RCMP along with Emergency Services responded to a serious collision on highway 66 westbound approximately 3 kilometers west of Elbow Falls.
As a result of the investigation it is believed that westbound motorcycle driven by a 62 year old male from Calgary left the road and collided with the guard rail. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The collision is still under investigation. However, alcohol and speed are not considered to be factors in the collision.
Investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed this incident to contact the Cochrane RCMP at 403-851-8000
Serious Collision sends 5 to hospital near Vegreville
Shortly after 10:30 pm on Monday May 20, 2013 Vegreville RCMP along with the Vegreville Fire Department and ambulances from Vegreville, Viking and Two Hills were called to a collision 6 miles east of Vegreville near Lavoy, Alberta on Highway 16.
Upon arriving it was determined that a 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser had been struck from behind by a 2012 Dodge Ram pickup truck while both vehicles were traveling eastbound on Highway 16. The crash caused both vehicles to lose control, cross the median, cross over the westbound lanes and come to a stop in the ditch on the North side of the highway. The truck carried on further yet and crossed over the railway tracks which run along the highway. Luckily no Westbound vehicles were struck while the two vehicles were crossing the Westbound lanes.
Highway 16 westbound was closed for a portion of time as STARS air ambulance landed to airlift a 34 year old male passenger from the scene. The male was flown to University of Alberta hospital in critical condition. The two other occupants of the PT Cruiser were transported via ground ambulance to Vegreville, then transferred on to Edmonton hospitals with serious injuries. The driver and passenger of the truck were assessed at St Joseph's General Hospital in Vegreville where they were kept for observation with minor injuries. A total of 5 people were involved in the crash and all were transported to hospital.
Constable Curtis HARSULLA of the Vegreville RCMP says, " Although this matter is still under investigation it appears that both speed and alcohol may have been contributing factors in this collision. Evidence gathered at the scene indicates that the driver of the truck may have been drinking prior to the crash". A collision analyst/reconstructionist was on scene to gather evidence surrounding the crash.
Four charges of impaired operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm are pending against a 37 year old Vegreville man. His name has not been released pending the formal swearing of charges.
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| Daneen Potter photo |
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