Highway crash kills 2, spills ammonium nitrate

A fiery crash between an SUV and a tractor-trailer killed both drivers and shut down Highway 19 near the Edmonton airport on Wednesday afternoon.

Leduc RCMP saida westbound SUV struck a semi travelling east, causing both vehicles to burst into flames. The tractor-trailer was hauling ammonium nitrate, a highly flammable material that is used as a fertilizer and in making explosives.

Hazardous materials crews were working to clean up the ammonium nitrateon Wednesday evening.

Both drivers died at the scene and there were no passengers in either vehicle, said RCMP.

Firefighters responded within 15 minutesand put out the fire, but heavy black smoke filled the area just south of Edmonton.

Officials say they expect there will be minimal environmental damage because of the quick response of emergency crews.