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(Supplied/Lionel Waskewitch)
freezing rain a factor: rcmp

Multi-tractor trailer crash on QEII causes fatality

Nov 25, 2021 | 3:17 PM

One person is dead following a major multi-vehicle collision on the QEII Highway on Thursday.

RCMP say the crash occurred at about 6:15 a.m., northbound at the Crandall overpass near Ponoka.

Preliminary investigation has determined that a semi unit had jackknifed on the QEII and was subsequently struck by another semi. A third semi was also unable to stop and slid into the crash scene.

One fatality has been reported. Details about other injuries or vehicles involved are still unknown.

The northbound lanes of the highway are currently closed with traffic being re-routed at Hwy 53. This is expected to be the case for several hours. An RCMP collision analyst is on scene.

RCMP say freezing rain is believed to be factor, with numerous highways in the province affected by the weather.

Environment Canada issued a freezing rain warning for the Red Deer region early Thursday morning.

According to RCMP, 60 injury or possible injury-causing MVCs had been reported to them as of 9:20 a.m, from around the province.

“The RCMP is requesting motorists take alternate routes and avoid the area of the collision, slow down and drive to the conditions as they can vary throughout the province,” they say.

An update will be provided at a later time.