One person was killed and two others injured in a collision at the intersection of Hwy. #12 and #36 east of the Town of Castor Thurs. Aug. 17 reported Coronation RCMP.
Detachment commander Sgt. John Pike reported to the ECA Review Aug. 18 that police received an emergency call about 10:20 a.m. that a pick-up truck and 18-wheeled semi had collided at the intersection.
Sgt. Pike stated investigation suggests the pick-up truck was on Hwy. #36 northbound towards the intersection with Hwy. #12; traffic on #36 is required to stop at the intersection’s stop sign. Pike stated investigation suggests the pick-up truck did momentarily stop but then proceeded into the intersection where it was struck by the 18-wheeled semi that was travelling on Hwy. #12.
The driver of the pick-up truck died in the collision, while the pick-up’s passenger and the driver of the 18-wheeler are both in hospital. Sgt. Pike confirmed the family of the deceased has been notified.
Sgt. Pike confirmed there will be no charges laid as investigation suggests the collision was caused by the pick-up truck entering the intersection. He added that police do not suspect drugs or alcohol contributed to the crash. Weather and roads were both clear at the time of the collision.
Sgt. Pike noted the Castor Fire Department handled the emergency work and personnel were on the scene until it was cleared about 4 p.m.
He confirmed Alberta Sheriffs also helped at the scene as they were at the nearby commercial truck weigh scale when the collision occurred.
Sgt. Pike offered some advice for motorists to hopefully avoid such collisions in the future. “Be cautious,” said Pike. “Pay attention when you’re driving.” He added that if you’re not familiar with an area motorists should be extra cautious.
When asked if the intersection itself could have played a role in the collision Pike responded it’s very difficult to say but noted the Aug. 17 collision was the second serious motor vehicle collision at that intersection since July.
Stu Salkeld
Local Journalism Initiative reporter
ECA Review
