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1 dead following collision at Coalhurst intersection

Click to play video: 'Driver error to blame in fatal Coalhurst collision: RCMP'
Driver error to blame in fatal Coalhurst collision: RCMP
WATCH ABOVE: Despite some concerns raised by area residents over the safety of a Highway 3 intersection, RCMP say only driver error is to blame for a fatal collision on Monday night that killed a 66-year-old woman. Emily Olsen reports – Nov 26, 2019

EDITORS NOTE:  A previous version of this story incorrectly named the suspect Wesley Brian Phillips as Brian Phillip Wesley.  Global News regrets the error.

A Lethbridge man has been charged in connection with a fatal two-vehicle crash that left a 66-year-old Coalhurst woman dead on Monday night.

Fire officials and the RCMP said the crash happened at Highway 3 and 51 Avenue in Coalhurst at around 7:15 p.m.

RCMP said Tuesday a white VW Jetta was heading west on Highway 3 when it collided with a red Ford Escape that was stopped at the stop sign at 51 Street.

The 66-year-old driver of the Escape was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

Wesley Brian Phillips of Lethbridge has been charged with refusing to provide a blood sample, which carries the same penalties as an impaired driving charge.

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RCMP believe alcohol and speed may have led to the collision.

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Phillips, the driver of the Jetta, was sent to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to the RCMP.

A dog was also travelling in one of the vehicles, which is now in the care of friends.

Coalhurst Fire Chief Mat Conte said Monday it was a T-bone collision.

Traffic in and out of Coalhurst was rerouted Monday night, and westbound traffic on Highway 3 was reduced to a single lane.

The highway later reopened to traffic.

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Police said the name of the victim will not be released.

“Our thoughts are with the affected families and the community of Coalhurst. Such a tragic event so close to Christmas,” RCMP said in a media release.

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision is asked to contact the Coaldale RCMP at 403-329-5080.

–With files from Global News’ Emily Olsen

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