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(Supplied/Lionel Waskewitch)
freezing rain a factor: rcmp

UPDATED: Multi-tractor trailer crash on QEII causes fatality

Nov 25, 2021 | 11:48 AM

A person is sadly deceased following a major multi-vehicle collision on the QEII Highway Thursday morning.

RCMP say the crash occurred at about 6:15, northbound at the Crandall overpass near Ponoka.

Preliminary investigation determined that a semi unit had jackknifed on the QEII and was subsequently struck by another semi. A third semi was also unable to stop and slid into the crash scene.

One fatality has been reported β€” RCMP saying late Thursday the victim was a 64-year-old man from Rimbey. Police say he was the lone occupant of the second semi.

RCMP also added Thursday evening that one SUV was involved in the collision.

The northbound lanes of the highway were closed until past dinner time, with traffic being re-routed at Hwy 53. It has since re-opened.

RCMP say freezing rain is believed to be factor, with numerous highways in the province affected by the weather.

Environment Canada issued a freezing rain warning for the Red Deer region early Thursday morning.

According to RCMP, 60 injury or possible injury-causing MVCs had been reported to them as of 9:20 a.m, from around the province.

β€œThe RCMP is requesting motorists take alternate routes and avoid the area of the collision, slow down and drive to the conditions as they can vary throughout the province,” they say.