Fiery crash shuts down Whitemud Drive westbound for hours

A large utility vehicle and a gravel truck collided on Whitemud Drive in southwest Edmonton early Wednesday morning.

It happened just after 4 a.m. close to the bridge over Whitemud Creek, between the Terwillegar Drive interchange and the 122 Street overpass.

The collision caused a fire to break out, destroying the cab of the gravel truck.

The utility truck had a Black & McDonald utility construction logo on the side, but police said the vehicle was subcontracted to the City of Edmonton.

Police said two men were changing a street light when the crash happened. One of the men was in the bucket up in the air and the other was next to the truck when it was rear-ended by the gravel truck.

Despite the extensive damage to the gravel truck, the collision only resulted in minor injuries.

Police do not believe alcohol or speed were factors in the crash. It is still under investigation. No charges have been laid.

As of noon, eastbound traffic could move through the area, but westbound traffic was blocked off.

Both directions of the Whitemud were open again by 2:15 p.m.

Steven Kimball left Southgate Centre shortly after noon and it didn’t take long for him to come to a complete stop in the westbound lanes of the Whitemud.

“I’ve been in line for about half an hour now,” he said, only having driven about eight blocks.

“It’s crazy.”

Police said the road closure would remain in effect for several hours.