Last night at 11:07 p.m. RCMP responded to a collision on Highway 2 south of Highway 42. The collision involved a semi truck with trailers, which collided with a stopped tow truck. The driver of the semi truck was unable to exit the truck, which caught fire. The 62-year-old driver of the semi was declared deceased on scene.
The tow truck was stopped and assisting a disabled vehicle. The tow truck driver was out of his vehicle. The tow truck suffered extreme damage, but the driver and the driver of the initial vehicle requiring assistance were not injured.
An RCMP collision analyst attended the location to conduct a scene examination. This collision remains under investigation, and information about the reason for the collision is under further investigation.
Traffic was diverted throughout the early morning while the RCMP analyst worked, and crews worked to remove the collision debris. Traffic is moving slowly, with one lane still not open for travel. It is anticipated that all lanes will be opened shortly.
Background:
Innisfail RCMP respond to serious collision on Highway 2.
On Jan. 22, 2020 at approximately 11 p.m., Innisfail and Blackfalds RCMP responded to a collision involving a semi and a tow truck. A semi collided with the back of a tow truck, which was stopped on the side of the highway loading a vehicle. The resulting collision caused the semi truck to catch fire. RCMP from Innnisfail and Blackfalds are currently on scene investigating.
A section of the southbound lanes on Highway 2, between Highway 42 and 590 have been closed to facilitate the investigation. Traffic is being rerouted through Penhold on Highway 42 and south on Highway 2A to Highway 590.
At this time, it is unknown if alcohol or drugs are a factor.