A devastating head-on collision has claimed the lives of two Slave Lake residents, prompting a major highway closure and a continuing investigation by Alberta RCMP.
Emergency responders arrived at Highway 2 just south of Slave Lake at approximately 3 p.m. on Sunday to find a 58-year-old man and 62-year-old woman pronounced dead at the scene. Both victims were from the local community.
According to RCMP, one vehicle crossed the centre line into oncoming traffic, striking another vehicle in what investigators are treating as a serious motor vehicle incident. The collision forced authorities to close that section of Highway 2 for up to six hours while emergency crews and investigators assessed the scene.
Two occupants of the other vehicle involved were transported to hospital with minor injuries by emergency medical services.
Investigation Underway
Alberta RCMP Corporal Mathew Howell indicated that speed was not considered a contributing factor in Sunday's fatal collision. However, the investigation remains active, and charges may be laid pending results from a collision analyst's comprehensive report.
"We are continuing to gather evidence and conduct interviews related to this incident," Howell stated in comments to media on Monday. The RCMP has not yet released details regarding what may have caused one vehicle to cross into the opposing lane.
Slave Lake, located approximately 240 kilometres northwest of Edmonton, has been shaken by the tragedy. The incident marks another reminder of road safety risks on Alberta highways, particularly along major routes like Highway 2.
Anyone who witnessed the collision or has additional information is encouraged to contact Slave Lake RCMP at 780-849-8100 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
This article is based on reporting from the Edmonton Journal, which was the original source for this story.