Prisoner in hospital after collision involving Correctional Services vehicle

EDMONTON — A prisoner was taken to hospital in Edmonton Sunday morning after a collision involving a Correctional Services transport van.

The crash happened on Highway 43 near Whitecourt around 10:20 a.m. Police say the prisoner transport vehicle was driving along the highway when it approached a semi-truck that was parked on the shoulder. As the Correctional Services van moved over to avoid the truck, it lost control on the icy road and hit the semi.

There were two corrections officers and one male prisoner in the van at the time. The prisoner, who was in the back of the van, suffered serious injuries. He was taken to hospital in Edmonton.

RCMP say the condition of the officers will not be discussed because they are employees of the province.

A collision analyst has been called in to investigate.