Up to 70 vehicles involved in Alberta winter-weather smashup 

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Canada’s main thoroughfare, the Trans-Canada Highway, has been temporarily closed for westbound drivers following a nasty crash near Brooks, a city about halfway between Calgary and Medicine Hat.  

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Police are blaming the carnage on severe weather conditions, including high winds blowing snow over icy roads. Estimates put the number of vehicles involved in the collision somewhere between 50 and 70 vehicles; you know it’s bad when authorities don’t even have time to get an accurate count. 

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Up to 70 vehicles involved in Alberta winter-weather smashup  Back to video

Westbound traffic is currently at a standstill near Range Road 142, and Brooks RCMP and emergency crews have been on scene since this morning, detouring traffic to Highway 1A. 

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“Travel on area highways is not recommended at this time due to blowing snow, icy roads and poor visibility,” RCMP said in a press release. “If travelling in the area, slow down and be aware of emergency personnel on the highway.”

Nearby on Highway 2, a semi-trailer also wound up on its side, halting traffic in both directions of the north-south route. The extreme winter womping comes just hours after intense winds blew a grassfire out of control, causing the community of Carmangay to evacuate. Luckily, that disaster has since been brought under control. 

Travellers still stranded in the prairie blizzard, however, are welcome at the Heritage Inn at 1217 Second Street West in Brooks where a reception centre has been organized.

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