EDMONTON – Freezing rain created treacherous driving conditions in northern Alberta on Thursday night, where police responded to dozens of collisions, one of which was fatal.
The two-vehicle crash happened around 11 p.m., about 20 kilometres north of Lac La Biche on Highway 881. The male passenger in one vehicle was killed; the driver was taken to the Lac La Biche hospital with unknown injuries. The driver of the other vehicle was treated on scene and released. Road conditions played a role in the crash, but police are still investigating to rule out speed and alcohol.
Cst. Chris Clark with Lac La Biche RCMP said their detachment alone responded to over 20 collisions within three hours, on Highways 36 and 881. Emergency crews had a difficult time getting to the scene of the fatal collision because several tractor trailers lost control on the slick highway and jackknifed, blocking the road.
Cst. Clark said people need to slow down and obey travel advisories, because not doing so “doesn’t do yourselves or anyone else any favours.” The officer said road conditions had improved overnight because of warmer temperatures, however rain was still falling steadily Friday morning and drivers were urged to be careful. RCMP later issued a ‘no travel’ advisory for Highway 881, saying it was in extremely poor condition. Police said it was possible road conditions could worsen throughout the day.
Freezing rain warnings for most of northern Alberta were in place for much of the day Thursday, leading to treacherous conditions on the roads.
Shortly after 10 p.m. Thursday night, RCMP in Boyle and Lac La Biche areas issued warnings for drivers to stay off the roads, after officers responded to numerous collisions.
Travel on the following highways was not recommended:
- Highway 63 in the Wandering River area
- Highway 36
- Highway 55
- Highway 881
- Highway 663
RCMP remind motorists to drive to the conditions and slow down.
READ MORE: 5 things to remember when driving in winter conditions
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Editor’s note: This story was originally published the evening of Thursday, November 20. It was updated Friday morning with the latest information.
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