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Fiery crash evacuates town

One person is dead and others have been injured in a fiery crash that forced the closure of Highway 9 about 300 kilometres east of Calgary.

The Alberta government ordered the evacuation of the hamlet of Chinook due to the Tuesday afternoon collision, which involved a semi tanker truck hauling fuel and another truck carrying butane.

"Preliminary reports indicate that there were approximately 12 vehicles involved in the collision, some of which are semi tractor trailer units," RCMP said in a release.

"The collision area is consumed with flames."

RCMP say the crash happened near the intersection of the highway and Range Road 73 between Chinook and Cereal.

Two of the more seriously injured were flown to hospital and others were transported by ground ambulance.

RCMP say there is no confirmed information available on the number of dead and injured.

Mounties say it will be several hours before support units can examine the collision scene.

Police are seeking witnesses who saw or were involved in the crash.

EMS spokesman Stuart Brideaux says the highway was impassable for emergency crews due to the number of vehicles involved in the collision.

RCMP are asking motorists to avoid the area. (The Canadian Press, CTV Calgary, CFFR)



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