Hundreds stranded on Alberta highway as crashes and snowfall block access near Fort McMurray

A snow storm has left hundreds of motorists stranded overnight in northern Alberta after multiple crashes blocked key routes near Fort McMurray.

According to CTV News, collisions on Highway 63 and Highway 881 brought traffic to a standstill on Thursday.

A flyover on Friday counted around 300 vehicles stuck in two areas, with one blockage caused by a semi-truck.

Travel was not recommended along a 100 kilometre stretch of Highway 63 between Crow Lake Provincial Park and Fort McMurray International Airport.

One stranded driver, Judith Iwaszkiw, told CTV News: “We’re not sure if this accident is five kilometres, 10 kilometres, 15 (kilometres) in front of us. And I have no idea how far the traffic is backed up, but it’s as far as we can see.”

“We’re definitely better off than some people. I know people have run out of fuel, and there are some parents with small children who are lacking food and water and fuel”, she added.

The province said” “The priority is to safely clear the roads as quickly as possible. The highway will reopen once it is safe to do so.”

Local officials confirmed efforts were under way to bring stranded residents back to Fort McMurray.