RCMP Detachment. Image via RMWB.CA
FORT McMURRAY — Cleanup efforts along Highway 63 continued after a late April snowstorm left hundreds of vehicles stranded and prompted a multi-day response from RCMP and emergency crews.
Police say calls for service began early April 23 and continued into the morning of April 25, as crews worked through heavy snow and dangerous conditions to restore access along the highway.
At the height of the storm, an estimated 300 vehicles were stuck across two sections of Highway 63, including near kilometre marker 160 and between markers 140 and 144.
RCMP say around 100 vehicles were temporarily rerouted northbound in southbound lanes overnight April 23 and 24, but the effort was halted after additional traffic from nearby work camps made the situation unsafe.
Officers were also tasked with ensuring plows and tow trucks could safely access the highway to begin clearing operations.
Despite the scale of the disruption, RCMP report 22 calls for service involving 26 vehicles. Ten vehicles were towed at police request, while three collisions were reported. One person was arrested after officers dealt with an intoxicated passenger who was also found to have an outstanding warrant.
Police say some officers were themselves caught in the storm, with members leaving their vehicles to check on stranded motorists. In one case, an officer walked more than three kilometres in severe conditions to respond to a medical emergency.
RCMP say follow-up work continues, but the highway was eventually reopened later on April 25 as conditions improved and cleanup efforts progressed.
Comments