Fatal collision in Athabasca area claims life of Stony Plain resident

ATHABASCA -- A Stony Plain resident passed away following a vehicle collision in the Athabasca area.

The incident occurred during the recent snowstorm on Tuesday, Feb. 17, at around 3:30 p.m. along Highway 813 near Township Road 691. Police say their investigation determined that the resident of Stony Plain had pulled over to the shoulder of the highway to check on another motorist in the ditch. Afterwards, while he was clearing accumulated snow from the rear of his trailer, a pickup truck also traveling southbound on Highway 813, collided with the rear of the semi-trailer, pinning the driver against his truck.

Emergency Medical Services, the Athabasca County Fire Department, and Athabasca RCMP attended the scene and immediately began life-saving measures. The 57-year-old male driver was transported to hospital by ground ambulance, but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries while enroute. Meantime, the sole occupant of the pickup truck, a 41-year-old male resident of Edmonton, was treated and released on scene with no injuries.

Weather and road conditions were believed to be factors, with heavy blowing snow resulting in poor visibility.