77 collisions: First Edmonton snowfall causes traffic havoc
CBC News | Posted: October 8, 2016 6:34 PM | Last Updated: October 9, 2016
Police have been inundated with calls since the snow hit
Edmonton Police have responded to 77 collisions in just under 24 hours, as the city was walloped with its first snowfall of the season.
Between 6 p.m. Friday, and 5 p.m.Saturday — as local roads became heavy with sleet — officers were called to respond to a rash of motor vehicle collisions throughout the city, including seven where people were hurt.
Damage was reported in another 58 collisions. Police also responded to 12 hit-and-runs within the same time frame.
As of Saturday at noon, no fatalities have been reported in the Edmonton area.
Periods of sleet and snow are expected to persist throughout the Thanksgiving long weekend and police are reminding drivers to exercise caution, and adjust their speed to the slick conditions.
Pedestrians are also reminded to be careful, as it may take longer for vehicles to come to a stop on icy roads.
Anyone planning to head out of the city for the long weekend should check road reports at 511.ab.
Over the 2015 Thanksgiving weekend, four people died and 68 were injured in collisions in Alberta.