THUNDER BAY – Springtime in Alberta can mean winter storms. Over the past several days, winter weather has made travel on the province’s highways very dangerous. The main highway between Calgary and Edmonton is the Queen Elizabeth II.
RCMP in K-Division report that the QEII is now open in both directions from the mass collision scene just south of the Millet (616 Hwy).
Springtime in Alberta – RCMP kept busy
The Highway was reopened at 1145 pm. The investigation will take some time to sort out due to the shear volume of vehicles involved. Police estimate 85 – 100 vehicles were either directly or indirectly involved at the scene. This number does not take into account the numerous secondary collisions outside of the immediate scene.
One adult male was taken to the university hospital with serious injuries, he remains in serious but stable condition. numerous people were treated on scene and others were treated and released for mild to moderate injuries at local area hospitals.
Due to the sheer size of the collision Edmonton Police Service attended and provide assistance with coordinating detours, traffic movement and relief of other officers that had been on scene for several hours.
Edmonton Transit, in cooperation with EPS, provided transit buses to assist in moving stranded drivers to Edmonton. Communities along the QEII also provided buses and opened their community centers to assist stranded people.
A cattle liner hauling 74 head of cattle was also involved. The cattle, with the exception of two, were safely transferred to another truck with the use of the Live Stock Emergency Trailer, one of seven trailers strategically located throughout the province. Two animals had to be put down as a result of injuries.
RCMP extend their gratitude to all EMS, Fire/Rescue, Community and Police Services, that assisted with this mass collision.
Ponoka RCMP request that if you are involved in the collision please contact them directly in order to streamline the investigation.
Please have your insurance, registration and drivers license available. Also have any information regarding vehicles involved in your collision, other drivers information and any occupants of your vehicle.
Ponoka RCMP – Complaint: 403-783-4471 or Admin: 403-783-4472
