Fatality reported as multiple collisions clog QEII north of Calgary

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One person was killed Friday as RCMP warned motorists to avoid the QEII Highway after multiple collisions were reported north of Calgary.

With numerous vehicles in the ditch between Olds and Didsbury, RCMP implemented a towing advisory along that stretch of the QEII early in the day.

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“Tow trucks cannot come to the area so please do not call them,” an RCMP news release stated.

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The RCMP had implored motorists to avoid the highway between Olds and Didsbury, with traffic flow blocked at times.

One fatality was reported as a result of Friday’s collisions, said RCMP Cpl. Mathew Howell. The victim was later identified as a 58-year-old Fort Saskatchewan man.

The highway was fully re-opened in both directions late Friday after a tow ban and advice against travel in the region had been in effect for much of the day.

511 Alberta, which is the province’s official road report, stated partially snow-covered and icy roadways worsened driving conditions and contributed to the multiple collisions on Friday morning.

Photos submitted by RCMP showed damaged and jackknifed semi-trucks and rear-ended pick-up trucks.

Environment Canada issued a fog advisory for Airdrie and Calgary Friday morning. Although that advisory has ended, fog advisories were later issued for areas to the east, including Drumheller, Gleichen, Bassano and Brooks.

The Three Hills RCMP detachment also reported adverse road conditions in the area Friday afternoon, including Kneehill County and Red Deer County.

“RCMP are responding to many collisions right now and are advising motorists to stay off the roads,” the police service said in a statement issued mid-afternoon Friday.

“Visibility may be significantly and suddenly reduced to near zero,” Environment Canada’s advisory states. “If visibility is reduced while driving, slow down, watch for tail lights ahead and be prepared to stop.”

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