Incident Overview

A grave incident unfolded in south Calgary on Thursday morning when a catastrophic vehicle collision left two minors and two adults critically injured. The crash occurred around 10 a.m. at the intersection of Southland Drive and Macleod Trail S., mere moments after an alarming pharmacy robbery in the area.

Emergency Response

Emergency responders rushed multiple victims to local hospitals, with significant injuries reported among those involved. Authorities have indicated that the injuries sustained are life-threatening, escalating the urgency of the situation.

Effects of the Collision

The Calgary Fire Department (CFD) reported that five vehicles were caught in a chain reaction due to the crash, leading to extensive damage. Firefighters discovered one person lying on the ground outside one of the wrecked vehicles, and two others trapped inside, necessitating the use of the jaws of life to rescue them.

Eyewitness Accounts

Eyewitness Paul Donaldson described the horror of the scene. “When I got out of the car, I saw the little girl lying on the ground, and emergency personnel were working on her,” he recalled with distress. He and his partner had to crawl to safety from their own vehicle, which was heavily impacted by the collision.

The Sequence of Events

According to Donaldson, the chaos began as he was waiting at a traffic light, preparing to turn east on Southland Drive when a minivan ran a red light, colliding with a smaller vehicle. This added to the uncertainty, as the minivan then veered into Donaldson’s vehicle. “It felt surreal... I was just in shock,” he explained.

Police Involvement

Police confirmed that they had been pursuing the vehicle involved in the crash prior to the collision. The dramatic sequence of events began with a robbery at the Pharmasave on Millrise Blvd. Around 9:30 a.m., a suspect assaulted the pharmacist, stole medications, and then hijacked the pharmacist’s vehicle to flee, embarking on a reckless drive that culminated in the collision.

Community Reactions

Witness Rabina Rabina, who was working nearby, described her own fear as she witnessed the suspect’s hasty escape. “I locked the door after I saw him heading towards the pharmacy... It was frightening,” she shared.

Aftermath and Investigation

Authorities confirmed that the suspect, who had been seen driving erratically and ignoring police commands to stop, was apprehended at the scene where the crash occurred. The police presence at the scene intensified as they dealt with the immediate aftermath of the incident.

Traffic Advisories

In response to the crash, YYC Transportation advised motorists to avoid the area, as all roads at the intersection were closed off to facilitate the investigation. Northbound and southbound lanes of Macleod Trail were closed from 94 Avenue to 99 Avenue S.E., with additional closures on Southland Drive.

Next Steps

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) has been notified and is currently assessing the situation, as charges against the suspect are anticipated in the wake of such a serious incident.

Community Impact

As this story develops, the community remains shaken by the dual nature of this calamity—a robbery leading to a crash that imperiled innocent lives. Residents are urged to stay updated with local authorities and take precautions as investigations proceed.