Brooks, AB – On Wednesday, July 22nd, 2015 at approximately 1:20 AM, the Brooks RCMP responded to a report of a multi vehicle collision on Highway 1 just west of Brooks, Alberta. Members arrived on scene to discover 2 separate 3 vehicle collisions which occurred in the east bound lanes of Highway 1, directly across from where the Brooks Fire Department were dealing with the wreckage from a previous Semi Trailer fire.
The first collision involved 3 vehicles and is believed to have occurred when the drivers were distracted from driving by watching the fire crews working on the wreckage on the opposite side of the Highway. This collision remains under investigation. No charges have been laid at this time. No one was seriously hurt in this collision and all 3 vehicle were driven away from the scene.
The second collision also involved 3 vehicles (an SUV and 2 minivans). This collision is believed to have occurred when members of the Brooks Fire Department crossed the highway to assist in the first collision and slow down traffic. The first two vehicles slowed down and came to a stop on the highway, while a third vehicle collided with the first two from behind. The Jaws of Life were used by the Brooks Fire Department to cut a female passenger out of one of the minivans. Brooks EMS attended and transported the female to the Brooks Medical Centre. A STARS helicopter was dispatched and landed at the Brooks Hospital, and subsequently transported a 64 year old female to Calgary Foothills Hospital with serious, but not life threatening injuries. This collision remains under investigation. No charges have been laid at this time.
The east bound lanes of Highway 1 were closed for approximately 1 hour.
The traveling public are reminded to remain focused on driving when they approach an accident scene and to take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of themselves and those around them.
Truck fire closes Highway 1
Brooks, AB – On Tuesday, July 21st, 2015 at approximately 11:30 PM, the Brooks RCMP and Brooks Fire Department responded to a vehicle fire just west of Brooks on Highway 1. A mechanical issue with a semi truck and trailer resulted in the rear portion of the trailer to overheat and catch on fire. The fire quickly spread and engulfed the trailer load of frozen chicken. Flames from the truck spread to the surrounding ground cover beside the highway, however, members of the Brooks Fire Department were able to contain it and extinguish the fire. No one was injured in this incident.
Both west bound lanes of Highway 1 was closed to travel for approximately 90 minutes and traffic was re-routed around the area. At approximately 1 AM, a single west bound lane of traffic was opened for travel while crews dealt with the vehicle and its cargo. The Highway was closed again to west bound traffic at 3:00 AM to facilitate the removal of the wreckage, with traffic being re-routed. At 4:10 AM, the Highway was re-opened to traffic.