Four individuals are in life-threatening condition following a major five-vehicle collision in Calgary’s southeast on Thursday morning. Authorities have linked the devastating incident to a fleeing robbery suspect.
Calgary Police Service (CPS) reported responding to a robbery at a Pharmasave on Millrise Boulevard around 9:30 a.m. The suspect allegedly assaulted a pharmacist before fleeing the scene in a stolen vehicle. When officers located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop, the suspect refused to comply and sped away. In the interest of public safety, officers backed off, but the suspect continued driving recklessly for about 18 minutes.
The high-speed chase came to a tragic end at the intersection of Macleod Trail and Southland Drive when the suspect ran a red light, causing a violent collision involving five vehicles.
Paul Donaldson, a witness and one of the crash victims, described the chaos. “We were stopped at the red light, preparing to turn onto Southland Drive, when a van blew through the light and T-boned another car. The impact sent that car flying into us. The speed was unreal,” he said.
Emergency crews arrived on the scene shortly before 10 a.m. Calgary Fire Department Battalion Chief Scott Cowan confirmed that four individuals, including a child, two teenagers, and an adult, were rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Two victims had to be extricated from their vehicles.
“This collision is exceptional in its severity. The damage to the vehicles is extensive, something we don’t often see, even at busy intersections,” said Cowan.
Donaldson recalled the overwhelming scene after the crash. “Everything was just a blur. There was debris everywhere, and it was chaos. Thankfully, my family and I are okay, though my wife suffered minor injuries. Unfortunately, others weren’t as lucky.”
Following the collision, witnesses observed police apprehending a man at the scene. CPS confirmed the suspect is in custody, and charges are pending. The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team has been alerted and will assess the situation to determine whether an investigation is required.
In a statement, CPS acknowledged the emotional toll the incident has taken on the victims’ families, particularly during the holiday season. Support services have been offered to assist them through this difficult time.
Police are continuing their investigation and are appealing to anyone with information or footage of the incident to contact them at 403-266-1234.