Man dead after crash near Athabasca, snowy conditions considered a factor

Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a winter storm warning for Calgary and other parts of Alberta as snow blanketed the area.

A man is dead after getting pinned by a pickup truck while attempting to assist a driver in the ditch during a snow storm Tuesday.

A news release from RCMP said officers responded to a report of a crash on Highway 813 near Township Road 691 around 3:30 p.m.

Investigation determined the driver of a transport truck had pulled over on the shoulder of the highway to check on another motorist in the ditch.

While the driver was clearing snow from the back of his trailer, a pickup truck travelling southbound on Highway 813 crashed into the rear of the semi, pinning the driver.

The 57-year-old driver of the semi, a resident of Stony Plain, was taken to hospital by ground ambulance but succumbed to his injuries.

The driver of the pickup, a 41-year-old man, was treated and released on scene with no injuries.

Weather and road conditions are believed to be a factor as the area saw high winds and blowing snow resulting in poor visibility.