Airdrie RCMP Photo

An Airdrie man was airlifted to hospital after he lost control and crashed his motorcycle west of Irricana, July 13. As of press time, he was listed in stable condition.

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Man in serious condition after crash

Police Notebook:

A 63-year old Airdrie man was transported to hospital in Calgary by STARS air ambulance after he crashed his motorcycle, July 13.

The collision occurred on Range Road 271 near the intersection of Highway 9, west of Irricana at around 8 a.m.

Police determined the man was travelling southbound on Range Road 271 when he failed to negotiate a curve in the road. The motorcycle left the paved surface, struck a traffic control sign and came to rest in the east ditch.

The man was wearing a helmet, but suffered serious injuries. He remains in hospital in stable condition, according to Sheriff Jason Graw, with the Airdrie Integrated Traffic Unit (AITU).

Alcohol and drugs are not believed to have played a role in this collision, however, investigators believe speed may have been a contributing factor.

The AITU is assisting with the investigation.

“We would like to thank the members of the public who stopped to assist the injured motorcyclist until emergency services arrived,” said Graw.

“No one expects to come across a scene like this on their way to work, but we are grateful to those who stepped in to provide assistance until help arrived.

“The driver involved in this collision was an experienced motorcyclist. An incident like this should serve as a reminder to all motorcycle operators to drive defensively, wear proper safety gear and be respectful of the dangers of operating a motorcycle.”

The Alberta Traffic Safety Plan designates July as Motorcycle Safety Awareness month. Consequently, integrated traffic units and police services across the province will be paying particular attention to make sure motorcyclists are properly licensed and are wearing legal safety gear; motorcycles are properly maintained and have legal equipment; and motorists and motorcyclists share the roadways safely.

Fatal collision

An Airdrie man died after a motor-vehicle collision at the intersection of highways 9 and 21, about 20 kilometres east of Beiseker, July 14.

An adult woman from Iron Springs, Alta., was transported to hospital by STARS Air Ambulance in critical condition. Her husband and three children were taken to Strathmore hospital.

Beiseker RCMP responded to the two-vehicle collision around 5:45 p.m. The Airdrie man was announced dead on the scene.

According to a police report, multiple motorists stopped and provided assistance to everyone involved in the collision.

Alcohol is not considered to be a factor in the collision, but speed is.

The names of the individuals involved were not released at press time.

If you have information on any crime, contact Airdrie RCMP at 403-945-7200 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.crimestoppers.ab.ca