A search and rescue operation is underway in northwestern Alberta after a commercial crane crashed through a guardrail and plunged into the Wapiti River, leaving the driver missing.
The incident occurred Tuesday near Grande Prairie when the heavy equipment vehicle struck the barrier on the Wapiti River Bridge and went into the water below. Emergency responders, including RCMP, fire services, and search and rescue volunteers, quickly mobilized to the scene.
The crane remains submerged in the river, complicating recovery and rescue efforts. Corporal Mathew Howell of the RCMP explained that divers have been unable to enter the water due to dangerously strong currents flowing through the river.
"The current is too strong for divers to safely conduct underwater operations at this time," Howell stated.
Authorities are now preparing to deploy advanced sonar technology to locate the vehicle and search for the missing driver. Police say the search effort will resume next week with the high-tech equipment, which should allow investigators to map the riverbed and pinpoint the crane's exact location.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation as RCMP continues gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses. The incident highlights the challenges rescue teams face when responding to emergencies involving bodies of water with hazardous conditions.
This story is based on reporting from Global Calgary.