A Boxing Day crash in Calgary has left four people hospitalized in critical condition after a multi-vehicle collision, reportedly initiated by a fleeing robbery suspect. The incident took place at the intersection of McLeod Trail and Southland Drive, following a series of events that began with a robbery at a Pharmasave on Millrise Boulevard.
Police were alerted to the robbery around 9:30 a.m., where it was reported that a suspect assaulted a pharmacist and drove off in a stolen vehicle. Attempting to intercept the suspect, officers called off their pursuit due to public safety concerns as the suspect sped away. Roughly 18 minutes later, the suspect ran a red light at the busy intersection, causing the crash.
Eyewitness Paul Donaldson shared that his vehicle was at the red light when a van careened through and collided with another car, which then struck his vehicle. He described the scene as chaotic, highlighting the speed and force of the impact. Calgary Fire Department’s Battalion Chief, Scott Cowan, confirmed emergency services arrived shortly before 10 a.m. to extricate and treat the injured. A child, an adult, and two teenagers were among those taken to the hospital.
The Calgary Police Service (CPS) confirmed that all four hospitalized individuals are in life-threatening condition. CPS is continuing their investigation with the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team informed to oversee the process. They encourage any witnesses or individuals with footage of the incident to contact them. The suspect is in custody with charges pending, as police offer support to the victims’ families during this difficult time.
