Fatal crash on Highway 8

The driver of an SUV is dead following a crash just west of Calgary on Saturday afternoon.

It happened just before 1pm on Highway 8, near Springbank.

The highway was closed in both directions for several hours while RCMP investigated.

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The RCMP say witnesses saw the westbound SUV pull out to pass another vehicle and was struck by an eastbound tractor trailer.

The Redwood Meadows Fire Department was called in to put out a fire that started when the tractor trailer’s diesel tank was ripped open upon impact with the SUV.

The driver of the SUV was pronounced dead on scene while the driver of the tractor trailer was transported to hospital by EMS in serious but stable condition.

Neither vehicle was carrying any other occupants.

RCMP continue to investigate what caused the accident.