"Firstly, no one has reported any injuries to our officers as a result of the road closure and traffic backup on Highway #1 between Regina and Moose Jaw today," shares S/Sgt. Jason Sauve, White Butte RCMP Detachment Commander. "We want to thank our partners for their shared response during a very snowy and windy day on the open prairies. Officers on scene experienced reduced visibility and a patient queue of motorists who are now on their way to their individual destinations."
RCMP officers have left the scene and are no longer redirecting traffic. Traffic is slowly moving and the roadway has been plowed. We do not have specific details available about the initial collision that occurred; however, it was the aftermath of four vehicles being stuck and snow piling up around them which resulted in the backup.
At one point there was a five kilometer line of vehicles in both eastbound lanes at a stand still. In total multiple police units and detachments responded including White Butte RCMP, Moose Jaw RCMP, Moose Jaw and White Butte Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan.
A number of vehicles are still in the ditch and/or on the shoulder of Highway #1 and will be removed in the coming days by their owners. Officers have marked several of them with police tape to show they have been checked for any vehicle occupants.
The snow is still coming down and with another end of workday commute beginning soon, we remind motorists to slow down and adjust your driving for winter conditions. Check the Highway Hotline frequently for changing weather conditions. https://hotline.gov.sk.ca/