1 dead, 1 seriously injured after striking highway power pole near Fort Macleod

Nanton RCMP say one person is dead and the other is in serious condition afterstrikinga power pole Saturday night on Highway 810 near Fort Macleod, Alta.

RCMPreceived complaints about an erratic driver around 7 p.m., according to a news release.

A traffic stop was attemptedbut the vehicle sped away south toward Claresholm, RCMP said.

The vehicle was found at 7:45 p.m. in a ditch after striking a power pole on Highway 810,15 kilometressouth of Highway 3, near Fort Macleod,RCMP said.

Fort Macleod islocatedabout 170 kilometres south of Calgary.

Both occupants of the car had to be extractedby the Fort Macleod Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services.

The passenger died at the scene and the driver was transported by STARS air ambulance to Foothills Hospital with serious injuries.

Anyone who may have witnessed or has any information about this incidentis asked to contact the Fort Macleod RCMP at 403-553-4406 or submit a tip anonymously toCrime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.