Murray Wood: Who's hot... and who's not
Every Friday, Murray Wood takes a look at the week's news and decides who's hot... and who's not. This week's list inclu...
Saskatoon police reported it has received 52 reports of traffic collisions as of 4 p.m. on Friday, with blustery winter weather still enveloping Saskatoon.
Notably, an SUV and a Saskatoon Transit bus collided on Friday morning on the Taylor Street overpass at Circle Drive.
According to a release from the City of Saskatoon, emergency responders assessed one person at the scene for minor injuries after the 8 a.m. crash on April 24.
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According to the city, weather and road conditions are believed to have factored into the crash.
As Saskatoon police investigate, Saskatoon Transit will be providing on-board video footage to assist. “A separate internal investigation will be conducted to determine if there are measures needed to help prevent any future incidents,” the city said in a news release.
There is not a cost estimate of the bus yet availbale.
The city said there is a critical incident response process for post-incident support to Saskatoon Transit staff, including follow-up wellness checks.
Traffic collisions numbered 41 at noon: Police
The Saskatoon Police Service reported it had received a total of 41 traffic collisions reported between 6 a.m. and 12 p.m. on April 24. As of 4 p.m., the number had risen to 52 collisions reported to police.
“The total number of collisions in the city is likely much higher as not all collisions need to be reported to police or require police attendance,” said Saskatoon police spokesperson, Joshua Grella, in an email on Friday.
Police noted none of those collisions resulted in serious injuries.
Saskatoon police also reported a collision between a tractor-trailer and an SUV on the north Circle Drive bridge just before 11:30 a.m. on Friday.
There were no injuries and tow trucks were contacted to remove the vehicles from the scene, police shared in an email.
City declares snow event in midst of storm
The city reported about 10 centimetres of snow accumulation at 2:20 p.m. on Friday. More snowfall is expected in the forecast.
As a result, the city has declared a snow event.
“Contracted equipment and operators will be deployed to support City crews in maintaining safety and mobility on Saskatoon’s priority streets, including Circle Drive, Idylwyld Drive, 22nd Street, 8th Street and College Drive,” the city said in a release on Friday afternoon.
Work to clear streets is expected to continue, day and night. Crews will balance “safety priorities with efficient use of resources to maintain driving conditions across the city.”
The city cautioned drivers that rough travel conditions should be expected, including reduced traction due to ice underneath snow on the roads, visibility and drifting.
“Drivers are urged to slow down, allow extra travel time and avoid unnecessary travel if conditions worsen,” the city said.
The release stated that given the recent amount of snow accumulation, the Civic Operations Centre snow management facility is “nearing capacity” and remains open, though it could quickly close.
Muddy conditions have closed the Wanuskewin and Central Avenue snow disposal sites, already.
“Drivers are reminded to watch for blue and amber flashing lights and give snow removal equipment the space required to operate safely,” the city’s release stated.
