Edmonton police say speed a factor in three separate fatal collisions this weekend

Tributes continue to grow at the site of a fatal crash in west Edmonton Monday afternoon — one of three deadly collisions that occurred in the city over the weekend. Residents near 142 Street say speeding is an ongoing concern that puts families at risk.

What remains of a BMW that struck a tree in Edmonton’s Crestwood neighbourhood paints a grim picture. Police say the crash happened just after 3 a.m. Saturday morning. A 36-year-old man driving the vehicle lost control and was killed in the collision.

By early Monday afternoon, mourners had begun leaving flowers at the site.

Neighbours say speeding along that stretch of road has been a persistent issue, and it’s making them fear for their loved ones’ safety.

“Especially because we do have a toddler,” said Josh Ruud, who lives near the collision site. “It’s now thinking about, ‘Is there any way to play in the front yard?’ — if people are going to be speeding like crazy.”

Police are also investigating another fatal crash in Edmonton’s west end on Winterburn Road. Investigators say that on Saturday evening, just after 7 p.m., a 26-year-old man was killed when the motorcycle he was riding struck a vehicle that was turning left.

In a separate incident Friday morning in north Edmonton, a 71-year-old man was killed while attempting a left turn. His vehicle was struck by another car driven by a 16-year-old. Police say speed was a contributing factor in all three fatal crashes.

“This weekend, our officers had to share the awful news with three families — that their loved ones would not be coming home,” said Insp. Brad Mandrusiak of Edmonton Police Traffic Services. “That is never easy.”

Following the deadly weekend, Edmonton police issued an emotional plea for drivers to slow down. They also pointed to recent changes to photo radar enforcement as a contributing factor in the rise of speed-related crashes.

Earlier this year, Alberta’s transportation minister introduced restrictions on automated enforcement, saying he wanted to put an end to what he called “cash cow” photo radar.

But police disagree, saying the issue is not about revenue — it’s about saving lives.

“We care less about the ticket, we care less about that revenue stream — I care about driver behaviour,” said interim Edmonton Police Chief Devin Laforce. “We do know that when automated enforcement is at those key intersections — especially those high-risk intersections — driver behaviour does change. So it is part of the solution. It’s not the only solution, but it’s something that contributes to traffic safety.”

In 2024, Edmonton recorded 26 fatal collisions. So far this year, the city has seen 13 deadly crashes — more than double the number at this time last year.

Police say they will be joining the City of Edmonton in calling on the province to provide more tools to enforce traffic laws.

“The police are busy with other important matters,” said Councillor Michael Janz, who represents Ward papastew. “So without automated enforcement cameras — other tools like this — the province has sent the signal that it’s acceptable anarchy on our roadways.”