Fatal crash near Ponoka claims four lives

PONOKA COUNTY -- A serious crash near Ponoka has claimed the lives of four people.

According to RCMP, the crash took place just before 11:00 p.m. on Saturday night along Highway 2A near Township Road 434. The Mounties say that two vehicles -- a GMC Acadia and Volkswagen Tiguan -- collided head on, resulting in multiple fatalities. Corporal Troy Savinkoff says witnesses reported the crash occurring after one of the vehicles crossed into oncoming traffic.

"We have spoken to witnesses on scene who did report that the GMC Acadia was passing other vehicles when it struck the other vehicle head on," said Cpl. Savinkoff. "Of course, this is a very tragic incident with four deceased individuals -- some fairly young."

Upon arrival to the scene, police discovered the 41-year-old driver of the GMC Acadia deceased, as well as two of the occupants of the Volkswagen Tiguan. A third occupant of the Tiguan was airlifted to hospital by STARS, but later died of their injuries. 

"The one vehicle had pulled into oncoming traffic in order to overtake and pass other vehicles along the highway," said Cpl. Savinkoff. "Subsequently was not able to get back over into the appropriate lane and struck the other vehicle head on."

All four of the deceased occupants were residents of Maskwacis.