PENHOLD – RCMP is continuing its investigation into Tuesday's two-vehicle collision on Highway 2 that left four people with minor injuries and closed a portion of the highway for at least six hours.
Innisfail fire Chief Gary Leith said his department received a request to assist shortly after 2:30 p.m. on Jan. 14 when a report came in that there was a collision on the northbound lane of Highway 2 at the Penhold overpass.
When local firefighters arrived at the scene they witnessed an overturned super B-train semi-truck on the highway’s northbound lane. The semi was loaded with hay bales, with a “significant” quantity spilled on the highway, said Leith.
He said four people involved in the collision were quickly treated by local firefighters. They all sustained minor injuries and were taken to hospital for additional treatment and observation.
Leith said local firefighters also assisted in closing down the highway as police dealt with the crash and arriving paramedics helped the injured.
“For the people who were stuck on the highway we ensured they had sufficient fuel to sit (with vehicle) idling and we assisted them off the highway when it was safe to do so,” said Leith.
He said firefighters also helped tow truck drivers safely deal with the semi’s hay bales, including those spilled onto the highway. The fire chief added northbound traffic between Innisfail and the Penhold overpass was disrupted for a significant period of time.
The provincial government’s traveller information service -- 511 Alberta -- reported at 8:55 p.m that evening that the scene had been cleared and northbound lanes had been re-opened.
Meanwhile, Innisfail RCMP Cpl. Jason McFarlane said yesterday that the incident was still under investigation, noting injuries were “very, very minor” and the highway eventually re-opened.
“The highway was closed for some period of time due to a collision. The truck was blocking the highway that has since been cleaned up,” said McFarlane. “We are still gathering statements. I can’t comment on charges or pending charges or if there is any charges.”
