Driver missing after crane goes over bridge and into river in northern Alberta

An emergency crew searches the water under the Wapiti River Bridge after a commercial crane drove off the bridge and went into the water, near Grande Prairie, Alta., on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/William Vavrek

Mounties say the driver of crane that went off a bridge and into a river in northwestern Alberta is missing.

At 9:10 a.m., emergency crews were notified that the crane had gone over the Wapiti River Bridge on Highway 40 near Range Road 704 just south of Grande Prairie.

Corp. Mathew Howell says the vehicle remains submerged and the cause of the collision is under investigation.

RCMP say divers haven’t been able to go into the river to search for the driver, because the current is too strong.

Police plan to use sonar technology next week in their search.