Edmonton drivers faced major disruptions during the Monday morning commute after a serious multi-vehicle collision shut down a section of Anthony Henday Drive for several hours.
The Edmonton Police Service has launched an urgent appeal for witnesses to the early morning crash that occurred around 5:30 a.m. near the southwest portion of the ring road. The significant collision involved multiple vehicles and resulted in at least one person being transported to hospital with serious injuries.
Road Closure Creates Morning Commute Chaos
The crash prompted police to completely close all westbound lanes of Anthony Henday Drive between Terwillegar Drive and 111 Street. The extensive closure remained in effect throughout the critical morning rush hour period, forcing thousands of commuters to seek alternative routes and creating substantial traffic backups across southwest Edmonton.
Emergency responders worked diligently at the scene for hours, managing the crash investigation while coordinating traffic control around the affected area. The complexity of the collision required significant police resources to document evidence and clear the wreckage safely.
Critical Witness Information Sought
Investigators are particularly interested in speaking with anyone who may have witnessed the events leading up to the collision or the crash itself. Police emphasize that even seemingly minor details could prove crucial in determining exactly what caused the multi-vehicle incident.
Authorities are also seeking drivers who were traveling in the area around 5:30 a.m. and may have dashcam footage capturing the collision or the moments immediately preceding it. Such video evidence has become increasingly valuable in reconstructing complex traffic incidents.
Ongoing Investigation and Safety Concerns
While the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, the incident highlights ongoing safety concerns along Edmonton's busiest thoroughfare. Anthony Henday Drive serves as the city's primary ring road, carrying hundreds of thousands of vehicles daily and frequently experiencing high-speed collisions during peak travel times.
The Edmonton Police Service Traffic Section continues to analyze evidence from the scene and encourages anyone with information to come forward immediately. Witnesses can contact the EPS non-emergency line or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
All westbound lanes were eventually reopened by mid-morning, but residual delays affected the area for several hours as normal traffic patterns slowly resumed.
