Fatal MVA – passenger car vs. 5 tonne transport truck with confirmed entrapment

At approximately 12:00 this afternoon, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call alerting to a two vehicle collision on Highway 5 involving a 5 tonne transport truck and a passenger car.

Fire Dispatchers worked with the caller to determine additional details for responding fire crews, identifying that the passenger car involved, a Ford Taurus, was heavily damaged as a result of the collision and that two occupants remained trapped inside the smoking vehicle. The Saskatoon Fire Department immediately dispatched one Fire Engine, one Heavy Rescue Unit, and one Battalion Chief to the scene. The Aberdeen Fire Department, Medavie Health Services West, STARS, and the RCMP also responded to the call for service.

Upon arrival, it was determined that one occupant of the passenger car was deceased and that the second occupant required extrication from the vehicle. The driver of the transport truck had exited the truck before fire crews had arrived and was assessed for injuries.

Fire crews stabilized and de-energized the passenger car in preparation to extricate the second occupant from the vehicle. Firefighters were required to remove the entire roof, as well as the passenger side door in order to complete a successful and safe extrication. Simultaneously, the Saskatoon Fire Department assisted in the safe landing of a STARS helicopter onto Highway 5.  The patient was flown to Royal University Hospital with serious injuries.

The Saskatoon Fire Department has now concluded its duties in relation to this incident and the scene has been left with the RCMP for collision reconstruction.