Olds RCMP are urging drivers to drive carefully -- according to the road conditions -- in the wake of a fatal vehicle collision which occurred west of Olds on Monday.
The collision occurred at about 10:30 a.m. Nov. 10 on Highway 27 near Range Road 22. Olds firefighters and ambulance personnel attended the scene, along with RCMP.
Police say an eastbound Chevrolet Astro Van lost control as it climbed a “slight grade.” A woman from Sundre was pronounced dead at the scene. Police did not release her name.
“The van went toward the south ditch, then corrected back on to the highway but slid sideways into the westbound lane of travel and then was struck, on the passenger side, by an oncoming Ram 3500 pickup truck,” an RCMP news release says.
“The van came to rest in the middle of the highway facing north, while the pickup went into the north ditch, just off the shoulder of the road, facing north.
“Despite efforts by responding emergency services providers, the driver of the Astro Van was pronounced dead at the scene.”
The driver of the pickup sustained minor injuries.
Charges are not expected to be laid in connection with the collision. Traffic was diverted around the scene for about three hours. An RCMP collision analyst attended the scene.
Alcohol and speed are not considered to be factors in this accident. All occupants of both vehicles were wearing seatbelts.
“Road conditions were typical of what would be expected, following a recent snowfall,” police say, adding the highway in the area was partly covered with snow and ice.
Olds RCMP are urging drivers to drive according to the road conditions now that the roads are snowy and the weather is cold.
“Road surface(s) and weather conditions can change drastically as you travel Alberta highways to your destinations,” RCMP say. “Allow plenty of time to reach your destinations and drive according to the road conditions.”
