A rollover on Deerfoot Trail early Wednesday morning has left one driver dead.
According to CBC Calgary, two semi-trailers were involved in the crash. A crane being hauled by one semi-trailer fell onto the road around 5:30 a.m. and the second truck slammed into the crane, killing the driver.
The dramatic crash forced the Calgary Police Service to shut down the Deerfoot, Calgary's main freeway for most of the day. The thoroughfare was reopened to traffic shortly before 6 p.m. on Wednesday.
The accident occurred near the 17th Ave. S.E. underpass, causing massive traffic delays for morning commuters.
Deerfoot Trail northbound has been closed to traffic and will likely remain closed until 2 p.m.
Police urge commuters to find an alternative route.
Deerfoot Trail Rollover, Apr. 3
CTV Calgary reports the trucks were turning on Deerfoot when one of the chains on the loaded truck shifted, and the crane fell to one side.
660 News reports the two trucks were working together to haul a crane. The pilot truck in front was being assisted by a second semi acting as a push truck behind.
"At that point, there was a push truck that was connected to the trailer that was then sucked under the back of the trailer that was hauling the crane," Sgt. Bob Pughe told CTV.
Whissell Contracting Ltd., the company that owns and operates the trucks, released a statement on the crash:
“Presently, our thoughts and prayers are with the driver’s family and their traffic loss.
Currently we are dealing with grief counselors for his family and our staff. We respectfully request that you allow us some primary to deal with this tragedy.”
UPDATE - 12:30 p.m. - Global Calgary has confirmed the driver who died on scene was a 39-year-old man.