Ambulance crash near Beiseker leaves one patient airlifted in critical condition and two EMS workers hospitalized
Ambulance crash near Beiseker leaves one patient airlifted in critical condition; two EMS workers hospitalized. Highway 9 closed as RCMP and OHS investigate.
Ambulance Collides With Tractor on Highway 9
At about 1 p.m. Tuesday, an ambulance with its emergency equipment activated collided with a tractor near the intersection of Highway 9 and Range Road 254, east of Beiseker, Airdrie RCMP Integrated Rural said. The collision prompted an immediate multi-agency response and left the patient and two emergency personnel injured.
The crash occurred on a stretch of Highway 9 roughly 55 kilometres northeast of Calgary, according to police. Local authorities described the scene as serious and confirmed the ambulance was transporting a patient at the time of the collision.
Patient Airlifted in Critical Condition
RCMP confirmed the male patient inside the ambulance was airlifted from the scene in critical condition. Officials did not release the patient’s identity and said he was transported to an out-of-area trauma centre for urgent care.
Medical authorities have not provided an update on the patient’s prognosis beyond the initial assessment. Emergency crews prioritized rapid evacuation given the severity of the injuries reported at the scene.
Two EMS Workers Treated for Serious Injuries
The ambulance driver and an accompanying EMS crew member were taken to hospital by ground ambulance with serious injuries, RCMP reported. Both were described as being in stable condition following initial treatment and transport.
Authorities emphasized that the injured responders were colleagues who were providing emergency care when the crash occurred. The incident has raised concerns about responder safety and the risks posed to paramedics in active roadside emergencies.
Highway 9 Closed for Ongoing Scene Work
Highway 9 was closed near the collision site while police, emergency crews, and Occupational Health and Safety personnel conducted on-scene work. Officials said the closure would remain in place until investigators completed their immediate inquiries and the scene was cleared.
Traffic restrictions and detours were implemented in the area to protect investigators and allow safe movement of tow and recovery vehicles. Local drivers were advised to avoid the area while emergency operations continued.
RCMP and Occupational Health and Safety Open Probes
Airdrie RCMP Integrated Rural confirmed both police and Alberta Occupational Health and Safety are investigating the crash. Investigators will examine factors such as right-of-way, road and weather conditions, vehicle damage, and whether emergency equipment operation contributed to the sequence of events.
Police cautioned that the presence of emergency lighting and sirens does not automatically determine fault and that a full collision reconstruction may be required. Authorities said no charges or determinations would be announced until the investigations conclude.
Local Services and Community Response
The collision has prompted expressions of concern from local officials and emergency services, who noted the strain such incidents place on rural ambulance coverage. Beiseker residents and neighbouring communities were reminded of the vulnerability of two-lane rural highways to collisions involving agricultural equipment and emergency vehicles.
Emergency service managers indicated they will review the incident to identify any immediate operational adjustments needed to protect crews and patients. Community supports for the injured personnel and their families have been organized while their medical conditions remain under care.
RCMP asked anyone who witnessed the collision or who has dash-cam or surveillance footage from the Highway 9 area near Range Road 254 around 1 p.m. Tuesday to contact Airdrie RCMP Integrated Rural to assist investigators. Further updates will be provided as officials complete the inquiries into this ambulance crash near Beiseker.
