One British Columbia man is dead following a two-vehicle collision on Highway 44 at the Westlock County Industrial Park on May 17 at around 4:30 p.m.
According to RCMP Cpl. Dennis Properzi, a northbound Jeep crossed the centre line and collided nearly head-on with a southbound semi just south of the middle entrance into the industrial park. The Jeep struck the semi on the passenger side.
The Jeep ended up facing south on its roof in the ditch along the west side of the highway, while the semi came to a stop nearly perpendicular to the roadway.
The driver of the Jeep was killed in the collision, Properzi said. His name is not being released until next of kin are notified. The driver of the semi was examined on scene and released uninjured.
Considering the collision occurred on a long weekend with families headed to the lake or other recreational activities, Properzi said it was fortunate no children were involved in the crash.
It’s unclear what caused the Jeep to cross the centre line, he said. Once he receives the medical examiner’s report, he’ll be able to release that information.
In addition, the collision remains under investigation by the RCMP collision reconstructionist.
Westlock town and rural fire departments, as well as EMS, attended the scene.
As a result of the collision, Highway 44 was shut down from 99 Street at the hospital in Westlock south to Township Road 594, and traffic was rerouted along county roads.
