Staff
A Boxing Day collision on Highway 20 near Winfield has claimed the life of an Edmonton-area woman.
“On Dec. 26 at approximately 12:30 p.m., there was a two-vehicle fatal motor vehicle collision where one person was pronounced deceased at the scene and two other people were injured and transported to Drayton Valley Hospital,” said Cpl. J.P. Rasmussen, unit commander of the Breton RCMP. “Their injuries were minor and they were treated and released.”
Rasmussen said the collision, which occurred approximately one kilometre south of Highway 13, involved a northbound 2002 Ford Crown Victoria occupied by James and Donna Pawelczak of the Red Deer area and a southbound 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier operated by the victim. The Cavalier was entering the intersection where it is believe the operator lost control on an icy patch and spun into the northbound lane where it was struck by the Crown Victoria.
“Whether the conditions outdoors are nice or not, we are in the winter season and this was an area where there are spruce trees on both sides on the highway creating an icy surface, so we have to be cognizant of the road conditions and that they can change at any time,” Rasmussen said. “It was an unfortunate incident. especially seeing as how it occurred during the holidays, but whether it’s the holidays or not, the loss of a life is significant.”
The matter remains under investigation however alcohol is not suspected to be a factor in the collision. Members of the Winfield Fire Department attended the scene that saw both vehicles sustain heavy damage.