Medicine Hat man die sin weekend truck collision

A collision between a semi tanker-truck and pickup truck on a Highway 36 bridge over the Bow River near Range Road 160 outside of Scandia on the weekend resulted in the death of a 34-year-old Medicine Hat man. Brooks RCMP responded to a report on June 9 at about 4:30 a.m. of the accident. The driver of the pickup was pronounced dead at the scene, and the second person was transported to hospital by STARS Air Ambulance with non-life threatening injuries.

“Investigators have confirmed the pickup truck crossed the centre line, which of course was the cause of the collision,” Cpl. Rob Harms of the Brooks RCMP told the Herald on Monday. “At this time, we are not sure why that occurred, and it remains under investigation.”

The tanker, which was not loaded, leaked diesel from its fuel tanks into the Bow River, causing significant delays in getting the highway open again as emergency personnel sought to contain the leak. The bridge was also significantly damaged in the collision, confirms Harms.

“My understanding is the leak into the river was minor, as far as volumes go, and that has been dealt with,” said Harms. “But I also understand there is significant damage to the bridge, and temporary repairs were made to it.”

The highway and bridge re-opened to traffic again Sunday evening. The speed of the collision likely led to the fatal outcome in this instance, said Harms.

“I would suggest we are talking about an impact at highway speeds, for sure,” he said.