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Ambulance struck by trailer that broke loose from truck hauling empty propane tanks.
Edmonton (8 Dec. 2010) - An emergency medical services (EMS) worker has been killed in a head-on collision in northern Alberta.
The accident, announced on the website of the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA/NUPGE) website, occurred on Highway 2 late Monday morning just west of McLennan, about 440 kilometres northwest of Edmonton.
The Edmonton Journal reports that an eastbound truck was hauling empty propane tanks when its trailer separated and crossed into the opposite lanes, striking an ambulance heading the other way. The ambulance driver died at the scene.
Three other occupants in the ambulance — another EMS worker, a patient and a family member — were taken to hospital with injuries.
HSAA says serious injuries were suffered by another crew member. As a result of the accident, the union cancelled a scheduled meeting of Edmonton Metro EMS workers that had been planned for Monday night in Edmonton. A meeting scheduled for Wednesday will take place, the union said.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) says EMS stations throughout the province will lower their flags to half mast in memory of the worker who was killed.
"HSAA extends its sincere condolences to all of the families involved as well as its northern EMS family."
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE