Emergency crews were called to the scene of a serious crash east of the city on Friday afternoon and say one person was killed in the multi-vehicle collision.
The four vehicle crash happened at about 2:00 p.m. on Highway 1 near Garden Road southeast.
EMS officials say four people were injured in one of the vehicles and three had to be extricated by crews.
A woman in her 30s died at the scene and an infant was taken to Alberta Children's hospital in life threatening condition.
The driver of the vehicle was taken to Foothills Hospital in stable condition and a male passenger was taken to the same facility in critical condition.
A man in a truck was also transported to Foothills in stable condition and a few patients from the other vehicles were treated for their injuries at the scene.
“We had a total of six ambulances that were initially dispatched to this and we’re transporting all patients to Calgary area hospitals,’ said Naomi Nania, EMS Public Information Officer.
Ross Woolgar had just stared his holidays and was on his way out of town when his fifth wheel was hit from behind.
“Don’t know what happened. We were sitting at the light. We were the first ones at the light and we were just sitting there waiting for it to turn green and boom,” said Woolgar.
The eastbound lanes of the Trans-Canada are closed to allow crews room to work and police are diverting traffic at Stoney Trail.
“At this point the causes of the collision and what actually occurred here is under investigation,” said RCMP Cpl. Christopher Hrynyk of Strathmore RCMP. “Highway 1 has been closed between Stoney Trail and Garden Road in the eastbound lanes. That will remain closed until the collision analyst has completed their side of the investigation.”
Hrynyk estimates the closure will last between five and six hours and the road will likely be reopened between 8 and 9 p.m.
Police say motorists should expect considerable delays and they are being asked to use alternate routes.
