Calgary resident charged in fatal collision in Lacombe County

Jun 22, 2026 | 9:48 AM

A Calgary resident has been charged following a fatal collision in Lacombe County in May.

Zainul Puzhakkal, 49, has been charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death and operating a motor vehicle while impaired with a blood alcohol level at or over 80 mg%, causing death.

“Once again, this is a tragic reminder that operating a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol places all motoring public at grave risk,” said Sylvan Lake RCMP Staff Sgt. Jay Peden. “If you choose to drink, make the choice to not operate any motor vehicle. As the summer months are upon us, take the time to plan. This loss of life, as with other fatal collisions, are preventable. Driving a motor vehicle takes concentration on the roadways, traffic control devices such as stop signs, posted speed limits and other vehicles around you.”

Police say on May 16 at 6:50 p.m., Sylvan Lake RCMP responded to a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Asplund Road and Highway 20.

They found a Jeep Grand Cherokee and a Chevrolet Silverado with significant damage.

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As a result, the driver of the Chevrolet, who was the only person in the vehicle, was extricated from the vehicle with assistance from the Sylvan Lake Fire Department.

However, due to injuries, the 65-year-old Red Deer resident was pronounced dead at the scene.

RCMP determined through their investigation that the west-bound Jeep had collided with the south-bound Chevrolet in the intersection.

Police say alcohol and speed are allegedly contributing factors in the collision.

The driver of the Jeep was arrested at the scene and provided samples of his breath in relation to an impaired operation by alcohol investigation.

Puzhakkal was released from custody on an undertaking for a first appearance date of July 9 at the Alberta Court of Justice in Red Deer.

by rdnewsNOW staff

Calgary resident charged in fatal collision in Lacombe County

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