Swan Hills RCMP say the investigation into a fatal multi-vehicle collision on Highway 32 is ongoing.
On Jan. 20 at approximately 4:20 p.m., the Swan Hills RCMP, with assistance from Whitecourt RCMP and Whitecourt RCMP Traffic Unit, responded to the collision 43 kilometres south of Swan Hills, near the Blue Ridge Haul Road.
Police say that four pickups, two semi-trucks, and one sedan were all involved.
On arrival, traffic control measures were put in place as Highway 32 was completely blocked by vehicles and debris. RCMP, EMS, and Stars were also on scene, extracting people from vehicles, including a baby in a car seat and their mother.
However, despite life-saving efforts, the RCMP say a 60-year-old man from Whitecourt was pronounced deceased on scene. Police say he was driving one of the pickups.
Others involved in the collision reported various injuries, but none were life-threatening. The mother and her baby were transported to the hospital and are reported to be in stable condition.
An RCMP Collision Analyst attended the scene and completed an investigation before the highway was cleared and reopened.
“Though the investigation is ongoing, initial reports suggest that an initial collision between a pickup truck and a semi-truck occurred due to sun glare, which was causing low visibility and varying speeds,” as stated in the release. “As the vehicles were attempting to pull aside, traffic behind slowed down, but, once again due to sun glare, a semi-truck did not note the slowing traffic and collided into multiple vehicles.”
The investigation is ongoing and Swan Hills RCMP is seeking witness statements and dash camera footage from those involved as well as passing vehicles. Anyone who witnessed the collision or has dash cam footage from Highway 32 in the area around the time of the incident is asked to contact the Swan Hills RCMP. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play store. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play. To contact RCMP non-emergency line within any Alberta RCMP jurisdiction call 310-RCMP(7267).
