RCMP, S.T.A.R.S. respond to collision between moose and motorcycle

A motorcyclist was taken to hospital after a collision with a moose between Crossfield and Madden on Oct. 5.

According to Airdrie RCMP, officers were dispatched to the incident at 8:11 p.m. Their investigation determined two motorcyclists were travelling westbound on Highway 574 near Range Road 21 in Rocky View County, when a moose entered the roadway.

"The lead motorcyclist struck the moose; the second avoided the moose [but entered] the ditch," a press release stated.

S.T.A.R.S. air ambulance (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society) was called to the scene, and transported one of the motorcyclists to the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary.

The second motorcyclists was also transported to Foothills hospital by ground ambulance, according to the press release, and is in stable condition. However, the motorcyclist who was transported via S.T.A.R.S is considered in critical condition.

The motorcyclists are residents of Courtenay B.C. and Crossfield. The RCMP's press release did not indicate which motorcyclist was which.

RCMP stated alcohol and drugs were not factors in the collision.