A serious multi-vehicle collision on Macleod Trail and Southland Drive has left several individuals injured, prompting significant road closures and emergency services response.
The crash occurred just after 10 a.m. on Thursday, December 26, 2023, when multiple vehicles were involved at the busy intersection. Emergency services were quickly on the scene to manage the aftermath of the accident.
According to the Calgary Fire Department, five vehicles were involved, and two individuals were trapped within their cars. Scott Cowan, fire battalion chief, noted the rescue efforts employed the jaws of life to extricate the victims. A third individual was freed by bystanders before emergency personnel arrived.
Of the four people hospitalized, three sustained serious injuries. While their conditions remain unclear, the chaos surrounding the crash raised concerns among bystanders about the reckless driving behavior exhibited prior to the accident.
Paul Donaldson, one of the drivers caught in the collision, recalled the shocking moment leading up to the crash, stating, “I seen a guy come flying through the frickin’ light here. It was red. He T-boned somebody, and I think the person who got T-boned flew right to us.” Donaldson was left shaken yet grateful to be unharmed during what was described as chaotic moments.
Witnesses recounted how the vehicle’s speed seemed excessive. Donaldson described the sequence, stating, “That’s all I basically remembered” amid the rapid developments. He had been visiting from British Columbia, driving his brother’s truck when the incident occurred.
Another witness, Spencer Royds, recalled the frightening moments just before the crash, detailing how he had encountered the suspect vehicle—a grey van—driving terrifyingly fast on James McKevitt Road. “The guy behind the wheel looked absolutely possessed,” Royds noted, sharing his disbelief at the reckless maneuvering. “Honestly, he probably went by us at like 140 (km/hr).”
This eyewitness observation aligns with Cowboy’s ominous prediction about the crash's significance, stating, “This could well be the collision of the year.” The Calgary police confirmed extensive road closures, including all directions on Macleod Trail and segments of Southland Drive, as they initiated investigation protocols.
Authorities warned motorists to avoid the area as crews worked tirelessly to clear the scene and attend to the injured. The main routes remained obstructed much of the day, as police proposed alternate routes and monitored traffic rerouting.
While the investigation continues, the identities and conditions of drivers and other individuals involved have not been fully disclosed. The Calgary community, still reeling from this disheartening event, eagerly awaits updates on the victims’ recovery and any legal ramifications stemming from the crash.
The demand for traffic safety has been heightened by this dramatic incident, serving as yet another reminder of the importance of responsible driving, especially during busy holiday periods when roads are filled with families and visitors.
The aftermath of this severe collision paints a concerning picture of road safety standards and is expected to stir discussions on traffic regulations and the necessity for heightened enforcement to prevent events like these from recurring.
