Whitecourt RCMP – Early morning crashes result in damage to Fire vehicle and charges - Highway 43

Shortly after 6 a.m. on Sunday, November 27th, 2016, a tractortrailer unit crashed into the ditch on Highway 43 near Chickadee Creek west of Whitecourt, Alberta. The driver of that unit sustained minor injuries. The unit was transporting fuel but no fuel from the tanks leaked as a result of the crash. There was some diesel fuel leakage from the tractor’s tanks.

While Whitecourt Fire and EMS were responding to this first crash, a second tractor-trailer unit left the travel portion of the roadway and crashed into a nearby ditch.

RCMP from Whitecourt arrived shortly afterwards and a third tractor-trailer unit struck one of the parked Fire trucks at the base of the hill. The driver of that unit failed to stop after colliding with the Fire truck. Police have identified the driver of that unit and charged an adult male with careless driving and failing to remain at the scene of a collision.

While Whitecourt Fire and EMS were responding to this first crash, a second tractortrailer unit left the travel portion of the roadway and crashed into a nearby ditch.

Alberta Environment is completing an assessment of the scene. Roadway restrictions may continue through the early part of this week while this work continues.

Heavy fog and icy road conditions contributed to these crashes. Motorists are reminded to drive according to road conditions, regardless of posted speed limits, and be especially mindful around emergency vehicles on roadways.

If you have any information about this or any other crime, please call the Whitecourt RCMP at (780)524-3345, or if you wish to remain anonymous, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com , or by texting TIP212 + your message to ‘CRIMES’ (274637). You do not need to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers. If the information you provide leads to an arrest, recovery of stolen property and or seizure of illicit drugs, you may be eligible for a cash reward.