Minutes before a Chevrolet Tahoe smashed into a concrete wall on Crowchild Trail, killing the male driver and seriously injuring the female passenger, police were called for a domestic incident involving the vehicle and the two occupants.

According to police, a witness saw the man pull the woman from the SUV and onto the sidewalk in the 2600 block of 33 Avenue S.W. The two then got back into the vehicle and sped off, exiting onto northbound Crowchild Trail.

A short time later, the Tahoe smashed into the concrete sound barrier that lines the busy roadway, crashing through the wall and causing parts of it to collapse.

Northbound Crowchild Trail was closed as police conducted their investigation. (Mike Symington/CBC)

The 32-year-old driver was pronounced dead at the scene and the 25-year-old passenger was taken to hospital in serious, life-threatening condition.

According to police, the SUV "lost control and left 80 metres of tire scuff marks as it rotated clockwise across four lanes of traffic from left to right."

Police continue to investigate, but speed is believed to be a factor.

Any witnesses to the accident or the events leading up to it are asked to contact the Traffic Section at 403-567-4000.