A semi-truck hauling a trailer eastbound on Highway 3 came upon a four vehicle collision at the intersection of Highway 3 and Highway 509, which was partially obstructing the eastbound lanes of Highway 3.
The semi-truck and trailer began to slow down on Highway 3 but a blue 2003 Buick Century following the semi-truck and trailer did not slow down and slid on the icy highway, striking the rear of the trailer causing significant damage to the drivers side of the car.
The driver, a 67-year-old woman from Lethbridge, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The identity of the woman killed has not been released.
Heavy sudden snowfall caused severe driving conditions with low visibility and slippery roads.
Westbound traffic on Highway 3 was restricted to a single lane and eastbound traffic was temporarily re-routed around the collision scene.
Traffic on Highway 3 eastbound just west of the Coalhurst access road was re-routed for several hours, as officials investigated.
RCMP along with Fire and EMS from Coalhurst and Lethbridge responded to numerous collisions on Highway 3 just west of the Coalhurst access all day Sunday.
Editors note: This article originally had Coaldale listed as a nearby location as per the RCMP press release, but it has since been corrected to Coalhurst.