Deadly day on Alberta roads Sunday amid dense fog reported
Sunday proved to be a dangerous day on Alberta roads with police reporting that four people, including three teenagers, died in crashes as thick fog swept across the province.
Among the casualties was a 17-year-old boy who died in a Sunday morning collision on the Sherwood Park Freeway.
Edmonton police said the crash happened about 10 a.m. along a stretch between 50 Street and 34 Street.
It was reported to police that a 17-year-old driving a Ford Ranger crossed into the westbound lanes and collided with an oncoming Nissan.
A passenger in the Ranger, also a 17-year-old male, died at the scene, police said.
A dense fog settles over the scene of a fatal crash on the Sherwood Park Freeway in Edmonton Sunday. Edmonton police say a 17-year-old was killed in the crash. (Bob Grieve/CBC)
No other injuries were reported but police said the driver of the Ranger and the driver and passenger of the Nissan were transported to hospital as a precaution.
An investigation is underway but police said they do not believe speed and alcohol were factors.
Environment Canada issued a fog advisory Sunday for communities across central and eastern Alberta, warning that driving conditions would likely become hazardous.
A dense fog settled over parts of the province for much of the day, creating icy conditions with near-zero visibility in some areas.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the loved ones of the young person who lost his life this morning,” Edmonton police Sgt. Timothy Connell said in a news release Sunday.
“This tragic collision is a reminder of how winter road conditions can change quickly. We encourage all drivers to be mindful of these conditions and to look out for one another on our roadways.”
Deadly rollover
Cochrane RCMP said two people died after a rollover in Rocky View County Sunday.
RCMP said the crash happened around 3 a.m. on Highway 22 at Township Road 284, about 50 kilometres northwest of Calgary.
A 28-year-old man from St. Albert and a 19-year-old man from Red Deer were declared dead at the scene, RCMP said.
A third person in the vehicle, a 31-year-old man, was airlifted to hospital in critical condition.
The RCMP collision reconstructionist attended the scene and the investigation continues, RCMP said.
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Highway 550 crash
A 15-year-old from the community of Bassano, Alta. also died in a highway crash Sunday.
Bassano RCMP said the teen was fatally injured when the pick-up truck he was driving collided with a sedan just after midnight at Highway 550 and Range Road 165.
The RCMP said the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. A young passenger suffered minor injuries.
The two occupants of the sedan were taken to hospital with what are believed to be serious injuries, RCMP said.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation.
Thumbnail courtesy of Bob Grieve/CBC.
The story was originally written by and published for CBC News.