Deerfoot Trail now open after fatal crash

One driver is dead after an accident on Calgary'sDeerfoot TrailWednesday morning involving a semi-truck hauling a crane and a push-truck that was travelling behind it.

All northbound lanes on Deerfoot Trail at the 17th Avenue S.E. overpass havereopened after heavy-duty craneswere called in to move the crash wreckage.

Crews also had toclean upa large fuel leak at thescene.

Investigators believe the semi-truck became unstablewhenit attempted to makea turn near the overpassat about 5:30 a.m. MT, causing the 150,000-kilogram crane to shift and fall to the side of the trailer.

"At that point, there was a push-truck that was connected to the rear trailer. That push-truck was then sucked under the back of the trailer that was hauling the crane," said acting Sgt. Bob Pughe.

Calgary father killed in crash

The 39-year-old driver of the push-truckwas killed instantly. The Calgary manwas married and had two young children, police said.

The man's wife has been notified, but did not want his name released.

He was a driver for Whissell Contracting of Calgary, whichwas hauling the crane toJasperfor PCL Construction.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the drivers family and their tragic loss," said the company in a statement. "Currently we are dealing with grief counsellors for his family and our staff. We respectfully request that you allow us some privacy to deal with this tragedy."

Police say weather,speed and alcoholwere not factors in the crash.

Investigators will be lookingat how the chains securing the crane came loose.

"This [investigation] will take more time than a regularmotor vehiclecollision just because of the size of the vehicles. At this time, we have a mechanic on scene who is inspecting the vehicles, but there will be further mechanical inspections in the days to come," said Pughe.

Alberta Transportation says a safety review conducted in 2009 resulted in improvements at the site. New warning signs were posted and reflective signs were put up on barriers near the crash site.

Nancy Beasley Hosker of Alberta Transportation says motorists are advised to go slower than the posted speed on that curve for safety reasons depending on driving conditions.