A violent two-vehicle crash 25 kilometres east of Innisfail that ignited into a massive fireball,with thick billowing black smoke and intense heat, is being described by fire department officials as the largest ever seen.
At around 1:45 p.m. on Sept. 13, Innisfail Fire Department and RCMP were called to the scene on Highway 590 just east of Highway 805 where a tanker truck transporting 24,000 litres of light crude oil collided with another vehicle and a fire was quickly ignited.
“It was huge,” said John Syroid, Innisfail fire chief. “It was the biggest fireball I have ever seen.”
Syroid estimated the fire was at least six metres high with its accompanying smoke floating south for several kilometres.
He said that fire crew members arrived at the scene about 20 minutes after the initial call.
Syroid added that from the moment he arrived on scene, he knew that his fire department was going to need backup, which they did.
He said in addition to the Innisfail department, Red Deer County Fire Department and Elnora Fire Department were also on scene.
The Rainbow Colony Fire Department was also on scene with a water tanker truck to provide extra assistance, as well as other supplies, he said, adding they provided significant help to his crew members.
Syroid also said no one was injured, but added had there been more traffic on the road at the time the incident could have ended much worse than it did.
The tanker truck, owned by Gibson's Energy with a tanker trailer in tow, was travelling eastbound on Highway 590 when it lost control crossing the fog line and heading into the ditch as it came up to a small bridge, said Innisfail RCMP Cpl. Jeff Hildebrandt.
In losing control, the tanker trailer began to swing into oncoming traffic on a bridge, said Hildebrandt.
He said the truck collided with the guardrail and abutment of the bridge and became immersed in flames.
The tanker trailer swung into the minivan that was heading westbound.
Hildebrandt said no one was injured in the collision but a 90-year-old male passenger in the minivan was transported to Innisfail Health Centre for a precautionary examination due to his age.
The adult male driver of the tanker truck was charged with failing to maintain his vehicle to the centre of his lane.
Hildebrandt said the tanker truck was destroyed and burned extensively for around four hours.
Alberta Transportation and Alberta Environment officials were called to the scene for assistance as well as Red Deer County Emergency Services.
Hildebrandt said no evacuations were necessary but personnel remained on scene to assess the situation.
He said the bridge was damaged during the collision and subsequent fire, and Highway 590 was temporarily closed at the bridge.
