Two people are dead following a Friday crash involving a semi.
Three Hills RCMP said they responded to the collision on Highway 21, north of Trochu, Alta., around 10 p.m. Friday evening.
Their investigation revealed two cars were northbound on Highway 21 when the second rear-ended the first, causing the vehicle to drive across the road where it was hit by an oncoming semi-truck.
“The two occupants of the first car, a 20-year-old female and a 21-year-old male, were declared deceased at the scene,” RCMP said.
RCMP confirmed the identity of the 20-year-old as Macy Boyce. They said Ethan Halford was the 21 year old.
In an interview with Global News on Monday, Const. Tim VanderPloeg with Three Hills RCMP said investigators believe a number of factors may have contributed to the collision.
“At this time it appears that both alcohol and drugs, as well as speed, were factors in the collision,” VanderPloeg said.
Forty-two-year-old Richard Douglas Bell of Elnora, Alta., faces two charges of impaired operation causing death, two charges of dangerous operation causing death, impaired operation of a motor vehicle and refusing to provide a breath sample.
Police said he remains in custody and will appear in Drumheller provincial court on Friday.
“Any collisions involving loss of life, but especially youth and people so young, is a very unfortunate incident,” VanderPloeg said. “I’ve spoken to families and we’re hoping that everyone can respect their privacy and allow them to have their grieving process.”
VanderPloeg added the stretch of Highway 21 has seen “a lot of high-speed collisions” and he encouraged all drivers to exercise safety and caution on the roads. He also encouraged people to have a plan for how to get home if they are drinking.
“If you’re drinking or (using) any other recreational substances, be cognizant of what it is that you’re doing, what you’re planning and just plan a safe drive home,” he said.
“Understand that other drivers on the road are being put at risk, not just yourself.”
Trochu is located roughly 133 kilometres northeast of Calgary.
—with files from The Canadian Press