Airdrie crash victim able to walk after truck slams into building
Atco Gas still on scene after male driver rescued by 29 firefighters, says deputy fire chief
A male driver is lucky to be alive after his tractor trailer crossed the centre median, drove off Highway 2, plowed through a fence and crashed into a one-storey commercial building.
Police say the southbound truck crossed over into opposing traffic on Highway 2 at the intersection of Highway 567 around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday.
No other vehicles were involved in the accident.
The male driver was removed from the vehicle alive and has been transported to hospital.
"He was walking out of the building with rescuers," said Garth Rabel, deputy chief with Airdrie Fire.
There were three people in the building at the time. One was assessed and released at the scene, two others were taken to hospital with minor injuries.
A total of 10 pieces of equipment and 29 firefighters were involved in the rescue with additional staff from utilities, RCMP and municipal enforcement at the site.
While emergency responders were able to find the man quickly, they could not start extrication because the building's gas and electricity lines had been compromised.
The area was cordoned off, and Atco Gas was on scene Wednesday afternoon, though authorities said there is no risk to the public.
"At this point, I couldn't even speculate as to what occurred," said Const. Jason Curtis of the Airdrie RCMP.
He is asking anyone who may have seen the incident to call police with more information.