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Driver in hospital, Red Deer road closed as RCMP investigate ‘unknown substance’ possibly found in pickup truck

An RCMP badge is pictured. File / RCMP

A spokesperson for the City of Red Deer Emergency Services says at least two buildings have been evacuated and part of a road in north Red Deer remains closed as police and emergency crews investigate the possibility of an “unknown substance” being found in a pickup truck after its driver was taken to hospital.

Early Wednesday afternoon, police said first responders were called to a pickup truck on 49 Avenue between 78 Street and 78A Street after a man in a pickup truck “began to feel ill after being in the truck.”

A map showing part of Red Deer, Alta. The red marker indicates the area near where police have shut down part of a road to investigate an “unknown substance” that may have been found in a pickup truck. CREDIT: Google Maps

The RCMP told Global News the work truck had been reported stolen in Bowden, Alta. on Sept. 16 and was later found abandoned by a passerby who called police. The man driving the truck on Wednesday had just picked it up after the RCMP had recovered it and towed it to another location.

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“It is unknown at this time what, if any, substance might be in the truck,” the RCMP said in a news release. “The response by RCMP, EMS and the Hazardous Materials team is intended to ensure public safety and investigate the situation further.”

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The spokesperson for Red Deer Emergency Services said the two buildings that were evacuated are located in an industrial area and that they were evacuated as a precaution.

Police said the road is expected to be closed “for some time” and called on the public to avoid the area.

More to come…

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