EMS from Cochrane and the Nakoda First Nation responded to a serious single-vehicle collision just after 8 p.m. May 26 on Highway 1 at Highway 22, according to EMS Spokesman Adam Loria.
“Two people were transported to the Foothills Medical Centre (in Calgary), one via STARS Air Ambulance and the other by ground ambulance,” he said. “They had multiple serious injuries, however, they were in stable, non-life-threatening condition.”
According to Loria, the nature of the injuries to the male passenger were such that STARS was called out to transport him to hospital more quickly than could be done by ground ambulance.
The cause of the collision, which occurred in the eastbound lane, is still under investigation, according to Cochrane RCMP Sergeant Jeff Campbell.
“Early indications from witnesses at the scene are that the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed prior to the collision, lost control, entered the ditch and rolled,” Campbell said.
“Prior to the departure (of the STARS Air Ambulance), alcohol was detected on the driver. We’re conducting an impaired driving investigation causing bodily harm against the driver. Blood evidence has been collected and we’re just waiting back for results. Speed and alcohol are both factors.”
The 20-year-old driver and his 19-year-old passenger were both from Calgary. According to Campbell, both were listed in stable condition at the Foothills Medical Centre as of May 30.
The inside lane of Highway 1 was closed for approximately two hours to allow emergency personnel to work, according to Campbell.
Four occupants of a vehicle that left the roadway and rolled May 31 were lucky to walk away without any injuries despite not wearing seatbelts and the driver being almost three times over the legal limit for alcohol, according to Campbell.
“The 22-year-old driver from Morley was arrested for impaired driving,” he said. “We’re just waiting to have sworn information before we can release his name.”
A 15-year-old girl from Morley was taken to the Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary as a precaution with minor injuries, Campbell said.
Two other occupants of the vehicle – a 24-year-old man and a 17-year-old man – are also from Morley.
“They’re lucky. No one received any major injuries,” Campbell said.
A fire at an apartment in Crossfield May 31 was quickly brought under control thanks to the help of the building’s sprinkler system, a number of Good Samaritans who helped on scene and the efforts of the Crossfield Fire Department (CFD).
The CFD received the call at approximately 10:30 p.m., according to Deputy Chief Chad Paulson.
Crews from the CFD were able to quickly extinguish the fire and damage was limited to one third-floor apartment. Residents of the building were home at the time and were evacuated. No one was injured, according to RCMP.
Airdrie Rural RCMP believes the fire was intentionally set, according to a release issued June 1. Request for comment from Airdrie Rural RCMP was not returned by press time.
“I know that (the third-floor apartment) is the focal point of the investigation that is on-going,” Paulson said.
If you have any information about any crime, contact your local RCMP detachment or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at tipsubmit.com
