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Police believe a fatal collision Friday morning on the Anthony Henday Drive could have been avoided had there been barriers in place.

“Had there been a better median separating the highway, much like our Highway 2 steel barriers that we have, it’s a strong probability that there may not have been a fatality here today, maybe just minor injuries,” said Sgt. James Mcleod, with the Edmonton police major collision investigation unit.

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At around 6:50 a.m. Friday, officers were called to a collision between two pickup trucks between the Lessard and Terwillegar Drive exits.

Police believe a Dodge Ram, “for reasons unknown to us at this time” crossed the centre median, striking a northbound Ford F-150 on the front driver’s side.

“When you have a corner hitting just behind the bumper and into the wheel well, just the sheer force is like a can opener, it’s just going to start to peel things back,” Mcleod said, describing the wreckage as “severe.”

The 31-year-old man driving the Ford F-150 was treated on the scene by EMS, but was pronounced dead in hospital.

The 44-year-old man driving the Dodge Ram was treated and released from hospital.

Police have yet to determine whether charges could be laid.

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