A multi-vehicle accident south of Olds on Friday evening resulted in traffic being diverted from Hwy 2 for two hours.
At approximately 8:15 p.m. Innisfail Integrated Traffic Unit, Fire / Rescue and EMS were dispatched to the scene.
Preliminary investigation has determined that two SUVs had stopped on the shoulder of the north bound left lane, possibly due a mechanical failure of one. A north-bound minivan clipped the rear SUV before colliding with the second stationary SUV at highway speed, pushing this SUV down into the median. The minivan deflected to the right and struck an enclosed utility trailer being pulled by a pickup in the right lane. The minivan came to rest blocking the left lane.
As additional emergency responders arrived, the north bound traffic on the Hwy 2 was diverted onto an adjacent gravel side road for safety.
The female passenger of the SUV had to be extricated from the vehicle. She and the female driver were transported to the Foothills Hospital in Calgary by EMS. Both have since been treated and released.
The occupants of the minivan; an adult male, adult female and 4 male youths between 4 and 9 years of age, were transported by EMS to Olds Hospital. All were treated and released.
The two males in the SUV initially clipped and the male driving the pickup pulling the trailer were uninjured.
All occupants appear to have been wearing seatbelts, or to be riding in the proper child seats. Air bags also deployed as designed.
Police officers would like to thank those that stopped at the collision scene to assist the injured prior to the arrival of emergency responders. Police were also appreciative that witnesses stayed to provide contact information for statements despite a soaking rainstorm that hit after the collisions.