Editor’s note: This story originally stated that three people were injured, based off information Global News received from EMS. On Thursday, RCMP issued a news release that stated four people were injured and taken to hospital. This story has been updated to reflect the new information.
A child was killed and four others were injured after a multiple-vehicle crash near Oyen, Alta., on Wednesday as the family was travelling across the country to relocate from Vancouver to St. Catherines, Ont.
RCMP, EMS and firefighters responded to the collision between two tractor-trailers and a vehicle on Highway 9 at Range Road 60, northwest of Oyen, at 4:30 p.m.
EMS said one person was declared dead at the scene. On Thursday, police said the deceased was an 11-year-old boy who was a passenger in the SUV, along with four members of his family.
EMS confirmed that two other children were flown by STARS Air Ambulance to the Alberta Children’s Hospital: one in life-threatening condition, the other with serious, potentially life-threatening injuries.
An adult was flown by HALO Rescue to Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary with serious, potentially life-threatening injuries, according to EMS.
According to a GoFundMe page that has been set up by a friend, the family was Carla and Bob Jeffreys and their three kids: Zachary, Lily and Gabe.
“Tragically, Zachary succumbed to his injuries and went to be with God,” the fundraiser reads.
Gabe and Lily are still at the Alberta Children’s Hospital.
The page goes on to say Lily was originally suffering from serious, life-threatening injuries, but is now in stable condition.
Carla was airlifted to Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary with serious, potentially life-threatening injuries. Bob also suffered injuries that will require medical attention, according to the GoFundMe post.
“This family needs our support more than ever right now,” the page reads. “At this time, a financial contribution would benefit the family. Some family members have flown to Calgary to be by their side and this money would help them take care of the necessities at this time.”
Funds raised will also help cover funeral costs.
“Please help ease that burden so their family can focus on each other.”
As of about 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, $7,650 had been raised for the family.
According to police, investigators believe one of the semi-trucks was stopped on the highway for construction with the SUV stopped behind it.
The second semi is believed to have rear-ended the SUV.
Highway 9 near Oyen was impassable after the crash. RCMP redirected traffic to Highway 886 and Range Road 51 while the highway was closed for several hours. It was reopened at 11:40 p.m.
– With files from Kaylen Small, Global News