RCMP and Occupational Health and Safety are investigating a tragic workplace accident that occurred last night (September 12) on Highway 2 north of Airdrie.

Cpl. Chris Warren explained that construction crews were removing steel girders along the northbound lanes of the QE2 near Highway 72 by using an excavator to load them from the roadway to a flat deck trailer.

"RCMP's preliminary investigation suggests that a steel girder had swung into the traffic lane while being lifted onto the trailer and was struck by a northbound semi tractor trailer unit. The resulting impact of that struck a construction worker nearby and he was pronounced dead on scene. No other injuries were reported. The driver of the semi truck was not injured and remained on scene."

The name of the 37 year old Red Deer man will not be released to the public.

Warren said the northbound lanes of the highway were closed for a period last night while RCMP and Occupational Health and Safety investigated on scene.

"The closure happened just after one this morning and lasted for approximately three hours."

One northbound lane has since reopened, the the other lane remaining closed due to the ongoing construction work. The investigation by RCMP and Occupational Health and Safety is ongoing.

 

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