A horrific crash in the northeast community of Temple has claimed the life of a pedestrian and sent three other people to hospital in critical condition.
Calgary police were called out to 52 Street near Temple Road northeast at 5:15 a.m. Monday for reports of a two-vehicle rollover.
Investigators said a blue Ford F150 pickup truck was travelling the wrong way down 52 Street northeast when it struck a pedestrian who was crossing the roadway just south of the intersection.
The pickup then continued southbound in the northbound lanes along 52 Street before crashing into an oncoming Jeep.
A neighbour told Global News that people who live in the area rushed out of their homes when they heard the crash.
“I went to check on the guy. He was still inside his vehicle. But there was a fire that already erupted on top, and I was trying to get him to come out and I gave him a little bit of a hand, but he was bleeding all over the place,” said Ed Koelle, who lives nearby.
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“He really didn’t want help — he really didn’t want anyone to touch him. I was trying to coax him to come to the grass to get away from the vehicle — but he was totally very non-cooperative,” added Koelle.
The pedestrian was declared dead at the scene.
The driver was taken into custody and police said charges against him are pending.
Both he and two occupants of the Jeep were taken to hospital.
Police said there is no evidence anyone involved in the crash was impaired. They are investigating to determine whether speed was a factor.
Sgt. Colin Foster of the Calgary police collision reconstruction unit said there was no indication the driver of the pickup slowed down after striking the pedestrian.
“I’m not seeing any tire marks. I’m not seeing any skid marks. That’s not to say that he didn’t brake, I just haven’t seen any evidence of it,” Foster said.
Investigators are asking any members of the public who may have witnessed the crash or has CCTV or dashcam video to give police a call.
The section of 52 Street, between Temple Drive and 32 Avenue northeast, is expected to be shut down for several hours while police investigate.
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