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Two people have died and a third person has been seriously injured after a head-on collision with an ambulance on a rural highway near Thorsby in the early hours of Saturday morning.

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The call about the accident on Highway 39 west of Thorsby came in to RCMP just after 4am. according to the RCMP and Alberta Health Services (AHS). Sign up to receive daily news headlines from the Edmonton Journal, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. By clicking the subscribe button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of our emails. Postmedia Network Inc. | 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4 | 416-383-2300

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No patients were in the ambulance at the time. But a male passenger, also a paramedic, was seriously injured and taken to the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton in stable condition. Early analysis by RCMP crash investigators found an older model Buick Skylark was traveling west on Highway 39 when it crossed the center line and crashed into the ambulance going east. Police believe alcohol and drugs are a factor.

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“A Tragic Incident”

Condolences for the victims have started pouring in on social media on Saturday afternoon. On Facebook, paramedics and supporters began changing their profile pictures to the Alberta Emergency Medical Services logo crossed by a black line, signifying a death on duty. Mike Parker, president of the Health Professionals Association, shared a statement on Twitter. “A tragic incident resulted in the death of one of our paramedics and the injury of a second member,” he said. “It is with a heavy heart that I am reminded that with the strength of colleagues we must reach out to each other for support. Everyone stay safe.” Alison Kabaroff, emergency physician and EMS medical director for the Edmonton Zone, also shared sympathies in a tweet: “The EMS community is small. We all mourn the loss of a dedicated Paramedic today.”

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The Alberta Association of Firefighters & Paramedics offered their condolences to the family of the paramedic killed in the line of duty and their injured colleague: “Our deepest condolences go out to the family, friends and colleagues of the fallen. Our thoughts are also with the injured Ambulance and we send our thoughts of strength.” AHS expressed its condolences to the families of the deceased. “This is a tragic incident and our sincere condolences go out to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased paramedic at this difficult time,” the health authority said in a press release. AHS said support is available and directed EMS personnel to their grief support resource page. Absolutely devastating news for paramedics in Alberta. My thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of all involved. Make sure you take care of yourself and reach out if you need anything. https://t.co/cGJ1stQMj6 — Cam Heenan (@camheenanNDP) September 10, 2022

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