North

Whitehorse man in 'grave condition' after highway collision

A two-vehicle collision that occurred yesterday at the intersection of the Alaska Highway and Burns Road closed the highway for several hours and has a Whitehorse man fighting for his life in hospital.

Two-vehicle collision occurred yesterday at Alaska Highway and Burns Road, traffic rerouted for several hours

A red Toyota Yaris is moved onto a trailer after a collision on the Alaska Highway May 27. The Yaris collided with a Kenworth tractor trailer, and its driver is in hospital in 'grave condition,' according to Whitehorse RCMP. (Elyn Jones/CBC)

A Whitehorse man is in 'grave condition' in hospital after a two-car collision yesterday evening on the Alaska Highway.

Whitehorse RCMP responded to the collision just before 5:00 p.m. Wednesday. A Kenworth tractor trailer collided with a Toyota Yaris at the intersection of the Alaska Highway and Burns Road, by the Whitehorse airport.

"The transport truck was reported by witnesses to be traveling within the speed limit and had the right of way when the Yaris moved into the northbound lane causing the collision," read a release issued Wednesday by Whitehorse RCMP.

The driver and only occupant of the Yaris, a 48-year-old man from Whitehorse, was taken to Whitehorse General Hospital in 'grave condition,' according to the release. The driver of the truck was not physically injured.

The collision caused the Alaska Highway to be closed for several hours. It has since been re-opened.

According to the RCMP release, police and RCMP collision analysts are investigating the collision. Alcohol and driving conditions are not considered to be factors in the crash.