An elderly man was killed in one of two major collisions in northwestern Alberta on Saturday.
It happened around 1 p.m. in the eastbound lanes of Highway 43, approximately 20 kilometres east of Fox Creek in the valley near the Iosegun River.
As many as 17 vehicles, including semi tractor trailers, were involved in the crash, police said.
Stars Air Ambulance was dispatched to the area. One ambulance assisted at the scene while a second was dispatched to a nearby airport, where medical crews assisted ground ambulance crews in administering critical care.
RCMP said a second collision involving at least 15 vehicle also happened on Highway 43 about one kilometre away from the first crash.
Highway 43 near Highway 947 reopened just before 6 p.m. but was closed again Saturday evening while emergency crews removed vehicles and debris. It reopened once again after 9 p.m. weather permitting.
“Motorists are requested to slow down and avoid travel if at all possible,” Cpl. Laurel Scott said. “Icy and poor road conditions along with white out conditions are occurring.”
Road conditions are also poor across central and southern Alberta with several collisions being reported on area highways.
Travel along the QE2 is also poor with icy sections being reported between Crossfield and Innisfail.
Police said there are several vehicles in the ditch.
There are also reports of white-out conditions along Highway 1, 1A and Highway 22 near Calgary.
RCMP could not provide details on the exact number or the extent of injuries in any of the collisions.
“Members are very engaged in actively responding to calls to service and reporting is not available,” Scott said.