Multiple truck crashes close eastbound Highway 1 west of Mortlach, Sask

Moose Jaw RCMP and Morse RCMP are at the scene of multiple semi crashes on Highway 1.

RCMP say multiple semis collided and are blocking the eastbound lanes of the highway, around 15 to 20 kilometers west of Mortlach.

At 11:00 a.m., RCMP said the highway continues to be closed both eastbound and westbound.

Highway 1 is closed between Herbert and Parkberg because of extremely icy conditions due to the snow, and wind from yesterday and overnight.

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“This section of road is on a downward slope and the highway is pure ice,” RCMP said. “At least five semis were involved in collisions and another semi jackknifed fifteen minutes ago when the kilometers-long lineup started moving slowly again. Please use extreme caution if you are in the area as police officers and other responders are working to open the road and are outside their vehicles.

According to the Highway Hotline, the first closure was reported at 6:54 a.m. Thursday and affects a 10 -kilometre stretch of Highway 1.

“Motorists are asked to avoid the area and are to use caution when traveling on roads in the province today,” RCMP said in a release Thursday.

Mortlach is located 113 kilometres west of Regina.

Any information on highway road conditions and closures can be found on the provincial Highway Hotline.