During the Wednesday (June 29) morning commute, a serious accident occurred on the QEII at the Highway 581 turnoff to Carstairs. 

Airdrie Rural RCMP, Didsbury RCMP, and emergency crews attended the scene of a single vehicle collision that resulted in one fatality that shut down the highway in both directions.

RCMP confirmed that the vehicle had 4 occupants; 1 male that was deceased on scene, 2 males that were transported by ground ambulance, and 1 male that was air lifted by Stars to a Calgary hospital. All four occupants were in their late 20's to early 30's.

Due to the large amount of debris across both North and South bound lanes, the highway was shut down until everything was cleared and collision analysts could complete their investigation.

Traffic remained at a stand still for over 3 hours before crews were able to re-open the highway just before 11 am.

RCMP said that alcohol does not appear to be a factor, but the investigation into the cause of the collision is still ongoing.