Update: Emergency services have cleared from the scene and all lanes of traffic are clear and have resumed.

A preliminary investigation has indicated that an SUV was travelling westbound on Highway 8 and is believed to have slid on ice into oncoming traffic. The SUV collided with a heavy-duty pick-up truck that was travelling eastbound on Highway 8, causing the SUV to spin to the westbound lane, striking a pick-up truck that had been travelling westbound behind the SUV. The SUV and pick-up truck came to rest in the north ditch and the heavy-duty pick-up truck came to rest in the south ditch.

The driver of the SUV has suffered serious injuries and the 72-year-old female passenger was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Both occupants of the SUV are Cochrane residents. RCMP say that the name of the deceased will not be released.

Cochrane Mounties continue to investigate this tragic fatal collision. No further updates are anticipated.

Original Story:

Emergency services have responded to a multi-vehicle fatality on Highway 8 just east of the Highway 22 traffic circle after 4 p.m. this afternoon (Tuesday).

Cochrane RCMP is asking motorists to avoid the area as traffic is being diverted on Highway 8 and the road is expected to be closed for the next few hours. 

Cochrane RCMP, along with Redwood Meadows and Rocky View County Fire Services and EMS, responded to a 911 call of a serious multi-vehicle motor vehicle collision between two trucks and an SUV.

The collision investigation is in the preliminary stages and details are limited however, it is known that there is one fatality as a result of this collision and others with serious injuries. 

Cochrane RCMP is also advising motorists that the drop in temperature is causing icy conditions on area highways and that caution is advised.