A serious motor vehicle collision on Highway 897 north prompted a large emergency response on December 22, closing the highway for several hours as crews worked in extreme cold conditions.

At approximately 5:46 p.m. on Dec. 22, EC911 Dispatch received multiple reports of a head-on collision on Highway 897 between Township Road 514 and Township Road 520.

Multi-Agency Response in Extreme Cold

Marwayne Fire & Rescue, Kitscoty Fire Department, and County Fire Unit 9-6 were dispatched alongside members of the Kitscoty RCMP Detachment and Medavie Health Services West – Northeast Alberta EMS.

Firefighters arriving on scene located a pickup truck with extensive damage and one patient requiring urgent medical care. Crews stabilized the scene, established traffic control including detours, and provided medical assistance while maintaining fire overwatch.

Due to the severity of the collision, a Voyent Alert was issued by the County of Vermilion River Emergency Management Division, and Alberta 511 was updated to reflect the highway closure.

One Patient Transported, Highway Reopens Overnight

One patient was transported by ambulance to Lloydminster for further medical treatment. RCMP continue to investigate the cause of the collision.

“All crews worked in extreme cold conditions under difficult circumstances,” said Kirk Hughes, Director of Protective Services for the County of Vermilion River and County Fire Chief. “We want to extend our thanks to our community partners that responded and to the bystanders that stopped to render initial aid. Their actions made a difference that evening.”

By 1 a.m., Marwayne Fire Captain Brett Johnston confirmed that Central Towing and Recovery Ltd. had removed the involved vehicle and Highway 897 was fully reopened to traffic.

Motorists are reminded to slow down and use extra caution when travelling rural highways during winter conditions.