ELK POINT – Elk Point RCMP responded to a single motor vehicle crash near Whitney Lake Provincial Park involving a lone driver from Vermilion operating a semi-truck with a tank trailer carrying a petroleum product at approximately 4:45 p.m. on Sept. 12.
The 47-year-old male driver sustained serious injuries and was transported to Vermilion by ambulance. He was then taken by STARS air ambulance to an Edmonton area hospital, according to Elk Point RCMP.
The Vermilion man remains in hospital, but is in stable condition.
During this collision on Highway 646 near Range Road 44B, the oil tanker’s contents spilled down the east ditch of Highway 646 toward Whitney Lake, in Whitney Lake Provincial Park, say police.
“Elk Point RCMP are working in partnership with Elk Point Fire and Rescue Department, who have been on scene digging trenches to prevent the further contamination of soil and water,” the Elk Point RCMP stated in a press release. “Steps are being taken to address environmental concerns with the appropriate agencies.”
Following the accident, Highway 646 was shut down for a few hours, but one lane of traffic has since opened to allow traffic to pass.
As the Elk Point RCMP investigation continues with the assistance of an Alberta RCMP Collision Reconstruction team, further traffic disruptions my occur.
