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RCMP investigating after semi hits power pole on Highway 3, igniting grass fire

Aug 28, 2017 | 2:36 PM

LETHBRIDGE – UPDATED – Coaldale RCMP say the driver of a tractor trailer has turned himself in to police, after learning that they were looking for him.

The call from police came after a single vehicle collision just west of Lethbridge Monday afternoon (Aug. 28).

Staff Sgt. Glenn Henry says the collision occurred around 1 p.m. on Highway 3 between the Monarch overpass and Coalhurst.

According to witnesses, the semi was driving eastbound, when it went into the ditch to the south of the highway, hit a power pole, then continued on without stopping.

The downed power line fell across both the east and westbound lanes of the highway, stopping traffic until FortisAlberta crews were able to render them safe. The line also ignited several grass fires, which stretched an estimated , which had to be extinguished by the Coalhurst Fire Department.

While traffic has been restored on both westbound lanes, Henry reported that as of 2:15 p.m., eastbound traffic was still restricted to one lane, as fire crews dealt with hotspots and the power pole was removed from the highway.

Henry says the driver of the semi is reporting to the Chinook Regional Hospital, to determine if there was a medical reason for him leaving the highway.