Heartbreak in Calgary: Woman and 9-Year-Old Girl Killed in Boxing Day Collision
CALGARY, AB – A season meant for joy has been shattered for a Calgary family after a devastating multi-vehicle collision on Boxing Day claimed the lives of a woman and a 9-year-old girl. The tragedy, which occurred at the intersection of Macleod Trail and 162 Avenue SE, has led to a slew of charges against a 30-year-old man.
The victims have been identified as 45-year-old Amritpal Kaur and 9-year-old Mehakdeep Kaur. Friends and family are reeling from the sudden and tragic loss.
According to the Calgary Police Service, the chain of events began shortly before 2 p.m. on December 26th. A Dodge Ram truck, reported stolen earlier in the day, was being driven erratically through the city. Police had attempted to stop the vehicle, but disengaged due to public safety concerns as the truck fled at high speeds.
Minutes later, the stolen truck ran a red light at the busy intersection, slamming into a Honda Civic carrying the two victims and two other family members. The force of the impact was catastrophic. Amritpal Kaur was pronounced dead at the scene, while Mehakdeep Kaur was rushed to hospital in critical condition and succumbed to her injuries a short time later. The two other occupants of the Civic, a man and another child, sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the stolen truck attempted to flee the scene on foot but was apprehended by police shortly after with the assistance of the HAWCS helicopter unit.
Yan Liel, 30, of no fixed address, faces a string of charges, including two counts of operation of a motor vehicle while impaired causing death, two counts of failing to stop at the scene of an accident causing death, and possession of stolen property over $5,000. Police have indicated that further charges are pending.
“This is a senseless tragedy that has left a family and a community in profound grief,” said Staff Sgt. Paul Stacey of the Calgary Police Service Traffic Section during a press conference. “Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the victims during this incredibly difficult time.”
A makeshift memorial of flowers and teddy bears has begun to grow at the corner of the intersection, a somber reminder of the lives cut short. A GoFundMe page has been established by members of the community to support the grieving family with funeral costs and other expenses.
The investigation into the collision is ongoing. Police are urging anyone who witnessed the event or has dashcam footage to come forward to assist with the investigation.
