ATHABASCA, Alta. — Icy roads and blowing snow are believed to have contributed to a fatal collision northwest of Edmonton that claimed the life of a man who had stopped to help another motorist.
Athabasca RCMP said officers responded Tuesday around 3:30 p.m. to a serious crash on Highway 813 near Township Road 691.
Police said a transport truck driver had pulled onto the shoulder to check on a vehicle in the ditch. Afterward, while clearing snow from the rear of his trailer, a southbound pickup truck collided with the back of the semi trailer, pinning him.
Emergency crews began life saving measures at the scene. The 57 year old driver from Stony Plain was taken to hospital by ground ambulance but died en route. The 41 year old pickup driver from Edmonton was treated at the scene and released without injuries.
Highway 813 through Athabasca serves as a key connector for east west trucking traffic between Fort McMurray and Grande Prairie, though police said the exact itinerary of the transport truck involved was not known.
RCMP said weather and road conditions, including wind driven snow and reduced visibility, are believed to be factors. The investigation remains ongoing.
Comments