A worker remains missing after a 300-ton crane crashed through the railing of the Wapiti River Bridge, south of Grande Prairie, on Tuesday. The crane is still submerged in the water, and the driver has not been located.
Emergency Response
Emergency crews were called to the Wapiti River Bridge on Highway 40 just after 9 a.m. on June 16 following reports that a crane truck and its driver had plunged 50 feet into the water below. Police, fire, and EMS arrived on the scene along with marine vessels. A search of the river's surface, nearby river banks, and surrounding areas was launched. It was later confirmed that no witnesses had seen the driver resurface.
A helicopter was also dispatched to assist in trying to spot the driver, but no rescue divers were available in the region to launch an underwater search.
Highway Closure and Investigation
The highway was closed for several hours as responders worked to locate the crane driver. The southbound lane was later reopened. Canada's Occupational Health and Safety has been notified of the incident, and an investigation is now underway.
“The status of the driver is unknown at this time,” said Cpl. Mathew Howell, public information officer with K Division RCMP.
Bridge Location and History
The Wapiti Bridge, approximately five kilometres south of Grande Prairie, sits on a boundary between two municipalities. The north side of the river is in the County of Grande Prairie, while the south bank is in the Municipal District of Greenview. Highway 40 and the Wapiti Bridge underwent significant upgrades that were completed in December 2025. In 2021, phase 1 of a $168 million project included widening the highway and building a new bridge over the river to accommodate southbound and northbound traffic.
The Highway 40 hill is a steep descent that meets the bridge and makes a sweeping S-turn. The speed limit is 90 km/h.
