Three separate collisions result in six people seriously injured

We are pleading with motorists to drive with care after three separate collisions resulted in six people being seriously injured late yesterday.

Downtown pedestrian collision

The first collision occurred when a car rear-ended a truck and did not stop. The driver of the truck pursued the driver of the car through downtown. Just after 5 p.m., the car drove through a red light in the intersection of 5 Avenue and 1 Street S.E., and struck two pedestrians in the crosswalk. The car, pursed by the truck, fled the downtown to a residence in northeast Calgary. Both drivers were located at the residence and taken into custody.

An off-duty paramedic rendered assistance for the two pedestrians until EMS could arrive. Both victims were transported to hospital in serious condition, one of which had life-altering injuries.

Excessive speed and impairment are being investigated as a factors on the part of the driver of the car. Charges are pending.

The driver of the truck is also facing charges for dangerous driving as a result of the pursuit.

“What began as a simple property damage collision, almost led to catastrophic results. We cannot stress this enough – do not follow drivers when they flee the scene of an accident. Call 9-1-1 and follow the direction of the Emergency Communications Officers,” says Collision Reconstruction Unit Sgt. Colin Foster.

Blackfoot Trail

While investigators were on scene dealing with the pedestrian collision, a second serious collision occurred around 6:40 p.m., in the area of Blackfoot Trail and Highfield Road S.E. Roads in the area were shut down for a number of hours.

A silver 2005 Toyota Corolla was turning from southbound Blackfoot Trail into the parking lot of the Cash Casino when it was struck by a black 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee traveling northbound on Blackfoot Trail.

The collision occurred with such force that the Jeep was thrown into the support column for the traffic signals on the north side of the intersection before travelling a distance and coming to a stop, while the Corolla was forced across both north and south bound lanes of Blackfoot Trail before coming to a stop.

The driver of the Corolla sustained critical, life-threatening injuries from the collision and was taken to hospital. The driver of the Jeep did not receive any injuries from the collision.

Impairment of either driver is not believed to be a factor, however, excessive speed on the part of the Jeep is being investigated.

Woodpark Avenue

The third collision occurred at 10 p.m., in the area of Woodpark Avenue and 24 Street S.W. Two vehicles collided in the intersection when one turned left across the path of the other. The Calgary Fire Department were called to extract the drivers from both vehicles. Both were transported to hospital in life-threatening condition and were thankfully later upgraded to stable condition.

Impairment is not believed to have been a factor for either driver and the investigation remains ongoing.

“This has been a deadly and dangerous week for Calgary motorists. Please slow down, drive with care, and do not drive impaired. Each of the collisions have had different causes, but they have all resulted in the same outcome – Calgarians seriously harmed and families left dealing with a crisis. As a driver it is your responsibility to make good decisions in the best interest of those around you. Help us prevent any other families grieving the loss of a loved one during the holidays,” says Sgt. Colin Foster.

Case #21471966/21472066/21472279