Motorists taken to hospital after semi-hauler and pickup truck collision

Two drivers were taken to hospital, one via STARS Air Ambulance in Edmonton, after a collision between a loaded semi-truck trailer and pickup truck on Highway 16 near Vermilion on Wednesday.

Emergency crews responded to the scene of Highway 16 and the intersection of Range Road 63, a busy area where motorists pull onto the major highway, at roughly 11:40am yesterday with Vermilion Fire & Rescue Society, County #9-1, Alberta EMS and Vermilion RCMP initially responding.

Firefighters worked to stabilize the driver of the pick-up truck, Vermilion Fire said. The loaded semi had a fuel spill that responders worked quickly to mitigate as well as traffic was reduced to on eastbound lane. Westbound traffic was re-routed through Vermilion.

Additional units were called into service including County of Vermilion River Peace Officers, Town of Vermilion Peace Officers, Alberta Sheriffs & Alberta Environment (to deal with the dangerous goods) and an RCMP Traffic Analyst.

Authorities said the cause of the collision is under investigation.

Both drivers were taken to hospital with one being airlifted to Edmonton. Their condition is unknown at this time.