Spring snow storm wreaks havoc on Edmonton area highways

EDMONTON- Hundreds of people have been injured following a multi-vehicle crash in snowy conditions near Leduc on Highway 2 south of Edmonton.

Highway 2 near Highway 13 is closed in both directions, as police continue to investigate and emergency crews work to remove vehicles.

At 11:30 a.m., RCMP announced the QE2 north bound was blocked just past the BlackGold Overpass because several vehicles and a tractor trailer were in the ditch. North bound traffic was being diverted to Highway 2A through Leduc.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) confirms 100 people suffered injuries in several collisions Thursday. One person was taken to the University of Alberta hospital with serious injuries, 22 people were transported by bus to other nearby hospitals, and 80 people were treated on scene for minor injuries, according to AHS.

Patients are being taken to hospitals in Edmonton, Leduc, Red Deer, Fort Saskatchewan, St. Albert, Devon, Wetaskiwin, Camrose and Stony Plain.

EPS officers have been called in to assist with the collision. Two officers will be providing an escort for ETS buses, which are being used to transport those with minor injuries.

Police say the Disaster and Emergency Operations Service branch of the EPS is also on stand-by, if a request for additional assistance is made.

Thursday’s snow storm has caused havoc on roads in Edmonton and the surrounding area.

There was a major crash Thursday morning on Highway 16 west of Edmonton.

Stony Plain RCMP say as many as six vehicles were involved in the collision, four of them being semis.

RCMP say there are some injuries but don’t have details as to the seriousness.

One of the semi’s is completely blocking the eastbound lanes of the highway, causing traffic to be diverted to Highway 16A.

RCMP say the QE2 is in poor condition both north and south of Leduc.

Police were attending to several collisions on the highway Thursday morning because of icy road conditions and poor visibility caused by blowing snow.

RCMP advise motorists to stay off Highway 2. If you’re stuck do not get out of your vehicle unless you have safe alternate transportation. If you are travelling on the QE2, use extreme caution and reduced speeds.

Meanwhile, Edmonton International Airport officials are recommending to check with your airline about re-booking flights since travel is not recommended on the QE2. You can check your flight status here.

Ten to 15 centimetres is expected to fall in the Edmonton area by Thursday night.

The wind has been making conditions even worse. Gusts were expected to reach 40 kilometers an hour.

Motorists are being advised to drive with caution and give themselves extra time to get to their destination.

For a full, up to date list of area road closures, follow 511 Alberta on Twitter or visit Alberta 511’s website.

With files from Jenna Bridges, Shane Jones.