Lethbridge police have issued multiple tickets to a driver after a single vehicle incident shut down Whoop Up Drive and caused significant damage to the bridge deck Wednesday afternoon.
Delays from the closure led to an increase in traffic on the Crowsnest Highway and a second accident, involving 10 vehicles, shut down westbound lanes. Many drivers were stuck for several hours while emergency crews worked to clear both river crossings.
The Whoop-Up closure was caused by a truck and trailer that crashed around 4:23 p.m.
“Upon arrival, police observed significant damage to the truck, trailer, load and asphalt as well as spillage of hazardous fluids along with countless roofing nails, screws and other sharp roofing parts the truck had been hauling,” reads a news release from the Lethbridge Police Service. “Following further investigation, the truck and trailer was found to have multiple equipment violations and the driver was subsequently charged under the Traffic Safety Act.”
Police say there were no injuries and Alberta Sheriffs assisted at the scene.
A 29-year-old Lethbridge man faces charges of operating a trailer without a properly functioning emergency brake system, emergency break away cable not properly connected to the towing unit, towing a trailer without proper attachments and exceeding the certificate weight. The tickets carry a total monetary penalty of just over $1,000.
At 5:22 p.m. police responded to the accident at the Oldman River bridge on the Crowsnest Highway, where they say 10 vehicles collided in a chain reaction.
“Investigation determined the lead vehicle had stopped for traffic ahead, but numerous vehicles behind it did not and 10 vehicles subsequently collided,” police say. “The matter remains under investigation with the drivers directed to attend the Collision Reporting Centre.”
A semi-truck heading east in the Crowsnest highway rear-ended another semi around 5:30 p.m. and the eastbound lanes were closed for a short time while the vehicles were cleared. A 39-year-old Cardston man faces a charge under the Traffic Safety Act of following too closely.
“During heavy traffic congestion and bumper-to bumper traffic, drivers are reminded to ensure adequate space between vehicles and keep their focus and attention on the roadway,” police say. “Police thank motorists for their cooperation and patience during the road closures while the collisions were investigated and the vehicles cleared from the scenes.”