A woman was killed after what police are calling a “slow-speed collision” with a garbage truck in northeast Calgary Friday morning.
Police were called to the 2900-block of 26 Street N.E. at about 7:20 a.m. The incident happened in the parking lot of RV dealership Cruise Calgary.
“Garbage pickup was in process and as a result of a slow-speed collision, an adult female was run over by the garbage truck,” Sgt. Rob Lewis said.
The 58-year-old driver was picking up garbage from a large bin in the parking lot when the woman, who police said the driver did not see, was hit by the rear side of the truck.
Investigators said she was then dragged a short distance as the truck backed up before she was run over when the truck drove forward. The driver saw the woman laying on the ground after he turned the truck around in the lot.
The pedestrian was confirmed dead on the scene. Police believe she was in her 20s.
“It is still under investigation as to why she was in the parking lot,” Lewis said, noting she did not work for the RV or garbage company. “There’s no CCTV footage and the only witness at the moment is the driver of the garbage truck.”
The truck is owned by Waste Connections of Canada (formerly Progressive Waste Solutions).
The collision reconstruction crew was on scene, as well as Calgary police, firefighters and EMS.
Police said the garbage truck driver is cooperating. Lewis said he was “shaken up” and will be supported by the victim assistance unit as the investigation continues.
Waste Connections communications manager Jaclyn Carrigan told Global News Friday afternoon that the company is cooperating fully with Calgary police through their investigation.
“This is a terribly tragic accident, we extend our deepest sympathies to family and friends of the victim,” Carrigan said.
“This is an extremely rare and infrequent event.”
She said the company will be launching its own investigation, adding it company has an excellent safety record.
“Across our company, safety is our top priority and our top value,” Carrigan said. “All of our drivers are given extensive safety training.”
In addition to support from Calgary police victims’ services, Carrigan said Waste Connections has support systems in place to help the driver in any way he might need.
With files from Erika Tucker
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