By Charles Lefebvre

Highway 9 crash

RCMP confirms three dead in Highway 9 crash Tuesday afternoon

Aug 21, 2019 | 10:38 AM

CEREAL, AB — RCMP say two more people have now died following a multi-vehicle collision near Cereal Tuesday afternoon, bringing the total to three.

RCMP initially reported one person had died in the collision, which shut down a stretch of Highway 9 Tuesday afternoon. The update on the death toll was revealed in a news release Wednesday morning.

The crash occurred at approximately 3:30 p.m. between Cereal and Chinook. It involved seven passenger vehicles and three semi trucks. One of the trucks was carrying fuel, which ignited, causing several vehicles to ignite. Another truck was carrying butane. The fire was extinguished by 8 p.m.

The Hamlet of Chinook was evacuated for several hours Tuesday evening following the crash. The evacuation was lifted at 9 p.m.

RCMP say 10 people were injured in the collision. Two people were injured critically and transported to area hospitals via air ambulance. The eight other people injured were either treated on scene or transported to local hospitals.

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The RCMP Victim Services Unit provided support for people involved in the crash, using the Oyen Legion.

Multiple RCMP detachments, including Redcliff, Hanna and Coronation were involved in managing the crash. HALO Air Rescue was also called in to transport injured patients.

RCMP say the collision analyst attended the scene, but notes the investigation is a lengthy process, given the nature of the crash scene. A release states it is expected to take several weeks for the collision analyst to complete the investigation.

Cleanup of Highway 9 at Range Road 72 is ongoing, with the section of the highway remaining closed. Hazardous material teams have been called in to assist with cleanup. RCMP say the road blockage is expected to last until at least noon.

-With Files from Scott Roblin.