Crash between semi and pickup leaves 1 dead; speed eyed as possible factor

One person is dead in the aftermath of a collision between a semi and a pickup in Calgary’s southeast Wednesday night, and police say speed might have been a factor.

It happened just after 8:30 p.m. at Barlow Trail and 26th Street S.E.

Police say a 2024 GMC Sierra driven by a man in his 40s “was travelling northbound” on Barlow Trail “in the lane closest to the median, approaching the intersection at 26th Street.”

At the same time, police say, a 2019 Freightliner with an unloaded trailer, also driven by a man in his 40s, “turned from eastbound 26th Street” into the same lane of northbound Barlow Trail, “entering the pickup’s path.”

“The pickup struck the rear corner of the trailer and became entangled,” police said.

Initially, police said one person had been seriously injured, and EMS said they arrived to find a person in critical, life-threatening condition.

EMS said they ultimately did not transport the person from the scene to hospital.

Police later confirmed the driver of the pickup had died at the scene.

No more information about the deceased is being released at this time.

The driver of the semi was not hurt.

Wednesday night’s collision is the 37th in 2025 to happen on a Calgary road and result in death.

What happened leading up to the crash is under investigation.

The police traffic unit took over the scene, and Barlow Trail was shut down between 50th and 54th avenues for hours.

“Speed is being investigated as a possible factor,” police said Thursday.

“Alcohol and drug impairment are not believed to be factors.

“While extreme weather conditions had been affecting travel earlier in the day, at this time, we do not believe road conditions were a contributing factor.”

Police encourage anyone with relevant information or dash-cam footage to come forward.

Police can be called at 403-266-1234.

Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Crime Stoppers can also be reached online at calgarycrimestoppers.org or through the P3 Tips app.

With files by Alesia Fieldberg