Driver dies following collision near Morinville Saturday

EDMONTON — The driver of a pickup truck who was seriously injured in a collision near Morinville Saturday afternoon has died of his injuries.

Morinville RCMP were called to a two-vehicle collision on Highway 44 just north of township road 564 around noon Saturday. The crash involved a five-ton grain truck and a pickup truck.

Officers say the grain truck was heading south when it tried to avoid the collision, but was unsuccessful. The grain truck ended up on its side in the ditch along the highway. The pickup had extensive damage to its front, driver’s side. It ended up in the ditch on the other side of the highway.

“At this time road conditions are not a factor in the incident, but the investigation is still ongoing,” said Cst. Rouse with Morinville RCMP.

The driver of the northbound pickup truck was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries. RCMP said Sunday he died of his injuries.

Highway 44 was shut down for several hours Saturday afternoon. It reopened shortly after 3:30 p.m.

RCMP say alcohol does not appear to be a factor and charges are not anticipated.

The victim’s name is not being released.

*Editor’s note: This story was originally published on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014. It was updated at 4:17 p.m. MT Sunday to include information about the driver’s death.