Two women were sent to hospital Monday afternoon, one in critical condition, after the motorcycle they were riding was rear-ended by a cargo van on Anthony Henday Drive.
The collision happened at around 2:50 p.m. in the northbound lanes of Anthony Henday Drive between 111 Avenue and Yellowhead Trail, police said in a media release late Monday night.
Police said the women riding the motorcycle were heading north on the Henday when they slowed down behind a Ford F-150 and other traffic.
Officers said a Ford Econoline cargo van that was behind the motorcycle rear-ended the bike at “a high speed,” throwing the women from the bike.
The cargo van continued driving, striking a Nissan Altima, which police said was initially in front of the pickup truck.
Just before 5 p.m., the vehicles and the motorcycle could be seen stopped in the far right lane and shoulder of the Henday, the bike on its side.
The 47-year-old woman driving the motorcycle was in hospital in stable condition Monday night, police said. The 28-year-old passenger remained in critical condition, according to police.
There was a large grass fire burning in the area of Yellowhead Drive between 118 Avenue and 186 Street at the same time of the crash on Monday afternoon.
Police said visibility issues due to smoke in the air was not a factor in the condition, nor was impairment. However, speed is believed to have played a role, police said.
A section of the Henday was closed to traffic for several hours Monday while the Major Collision Investigation Section took over the scene.
No other injuries were reported. Police continue to investigate and say no charges have been laid.