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Three Fatalities in the last 72 Hours Due to Traffic Collisions

Lac La Biche RCMP is reporting three fatalities from multiple traffic collisions over the last 72 hours. Poor weather and driving conditions caused RCMP to close a number of highways in and around Lac La Biche since Friday including highway 881 and 63. The roads have since been open, though RCMP are reporting multiple collisions, three of which resulted in fatalities. Three people have died in the collisions, which saw numerous other being injured and 3 others serious enough to be airlifted to Edmonton. RCMP have re-opened the roads though they are cautioning drivers to drive appropriately to the conditions.

Here’s the report from Lac La Biche RCMP:

Lac La Biche RCMP Advise that Highway Conditions Have Improved
Lac La Biche, AB.
November 23, at 1:30pm
Lac La Biche RCMP advise that the following Highways are all in fair winter driving condition:
  • Highway 881;
  • Highway 36;
  • Highway 55;
  • Highway 663;
  • Highway 858.
Some sections of highways though do contain partially snow coverage and sections of black ice.  Motorists are encouraged to drive according to the conditions.
**Previous Release**
Lac La Biche, AB.
November 23, 2014 at 5:30am
Lac La Biche RCMP advise that Highway 881 at KM Marker 162 is now open again.
However, highway conditions continue to be poor on Highway 881, 36, 55, 663 and 858. Police advise motorists that they should not be travelling on the highways and the no travel advisory remains in effect.
As highway maintenance crews work to clear the highways the conditions are expected to improve.
**Refer to collision #3 for an update in information**
**Previous Release**

Lac La Biche, AB.
November 22, 10:23 p.m.

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RCMP are continuing to urge motorists to stay off local highways as road conditions are in a treacherous state for most of the area.

The following highways are in EXTREMELY POOR CONDITION and a NO TRAVEL ADVISORY is in effect:

Highway 881;
Highway 36;
Highway 55;
Highway 858;
Highway 663.

**Highway 881 remains obstructed at KM Marker 162 – Not expected to accomodate traffic till at least 1:00am**

Some sections of the highways listed above appear to have clear sections and be in fair driving condition. However sections are snow covered/packed with black ice. Current snowfall is also continuing to reduce visibility and cover roadways.

Motorists are again strongly encouraged to not travel on these highways for their safety.
Refer to local media, Alberta 511 and AMA Road Reports for updated conditions.

**Previous Release**

Lac La Biche RCMP Urge Motorists to Stay Off Highways – UPDATE

Lac La Biche, AB.
November 22, 2014 at 3:15pm

RCMP are continuing to urge motorists to stay off local highways as road conditions are in a treacherous state for most of the area.

The following highways are in EXTREMELY POOR CONDITION and a NO TRAVEL ADVISORY is in effect:

Highway 881;
Highway 36;
Highway 55;
Highway 858;
Highway 663.

**Highway 881 is currently closed at KM Marker 162 – Not expected to re-open until late this evening**

Presently a heavy snow fall warning remains in effect for the area and since the early morning hours the area has received a significant amount of snowfall.  This snow has caused roads to be covered, reduced visibility and also started to cause the formation of black ice.  Some sections of roadway appear to be partly clear but have a thin layer of black ice on the driving lane.  Blowing snow has also been reported and it is currently reducing visibility.  The conditions and NO TRAVEL ADVISORY  are expected to remain in effect until late tonight.

RCMP have been attending a staggering amount of collisions since the evening of Thursday November 20, 2014; including three fatal collisions.

RCMP are continuing to ask the public and commercial vehicles to remain off of the highways.  By travelling on roads motorists are taking an unnecessary risk to their personal safety as well as the safety of the public.  Local Police, Fire and EMS crews have been responding to multiple collisions and are also having their safety put into jeopardy to assist motorists who have decided to travel.

Background information on Fatal Collisions:

1.  On Thursday November 20, 2014 at approximately 11:00pm RCMP, Fire and EMS were called to a two vehicle collision on Highway 881 approximately 20 kilometres north of Lac La Biche.

A pick up truck travelling southbound on Highway 881 struck the rear end of a log truck that was stopped in the driving lane and unable to get traction due to extreme road conditions.  Inside the pick up truck were two male occupants.  The passenger, a 21 year old male from the Lac La Biche area succumbed to his injuries on scene.  The 25 year old male driver of the vehicle was transported to local hospital and then airlifted to Edmonton in serious condition.  The driver of the log truck was not injured as a result of the collision.

Police continue to investigate this collision and have attributed road conditions and speed as factors.  Alcohol is also a possible factor in the cause of the collision.

The section of Highway was re-opened at approximately 3:30am.

2.  On Friday November 21, 2014 at 11:45pm RCMP, Fire and EMS were called to a two vehicle collision on Highway 36 approximately 45 kilometres south of Lac La Biche near Kikino, AB.

A pick up truck travelling southbound and a car travelling northbound collided head on.  Three occupants in the pick up truck escaped from the vehicle as it started on fire.  The 38 year old male driver of the car, who is from the Lac La Biche area succumbed to his injuries on scene.  The 25 year old male driver and two passengers a 20 year old male and a 23 year old female were all transported to hospital.  The 20 year old male passenger has since been airlifted to Edmonton as a result of his injuries.

Police continue to investigate the collision and believe that alcohol is a contributing factor.

The Section of Highway was re-opened at approximately 5:00am.

3.  On November 22, 2014 at approximately 10:30am RCMP, Fire and EMS were called to a three vehicle collision on Highway 881 approximately 140 kilometres north of Lac La Biche.

The vehicles involved include a semi truck, a log truck and a pick up truck.  One adult female is deceased as a result of the collision.  Two other occupants, one from each vehicle were injured and one was airlifted from the scene by helicopter in serious condition and then later airlifted to Edmonton.

The semi truck that was hauling fuel was travelling northbound and collided with the log truck that was travelling southbound. Both of these vehicles struck eachother on the passenger side. The pick up truck traveling northbound then struck the logs that had been thrown from the log truck in the collision.
Police continue to investigate and alcohol is not a contributing factor.
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