Four people are dead after a head-on collision on the QEII Highway near Innisfail Sunday night.
According to investigators a Dodge Journey SUV was heading south when it collided with a Range Rover that was traveling north in the southbound lanes.
Four people in the southbound vehicle died at the scene; two men, both aged 35, and two women, aged 52 and 39. Another victim, a 28-year-old female, was transported to hospital in Edmonton suffering from critical injuries.
CTV News has learned that four of the victims were temporary workers from the Philippines who were employed at the Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel.
Kelly McCauley, manager at the hotel, said news of the crash has hit staff very hard. "Our team here is shocked, stunned, saddened beyond words, we're providing grief counseling to help people get through."
The 29-year-old male driver of the Range Rover was transported to Red Deer Regional Hospital, where he was treated and released.
Innisfail RCMP say the man refused a breath sample after the crash and will face charges.
"He has been arrested is in custody and awaiting a bail hearing and he'll be facing numerous drunk driving charges," said Const. Chris Warren.
The man was expected to make a court appearance in Red Deer Monday afternoon.
Constable Warren told CTV News that this type of crash not only takes its toll on those who know the victims but is very difficult for emergency workers as well.
"A collision involving this many fatalities is something we don't see every day and it defiantly a difficult thing to deal with for all emergency personal responding."
While the investigation continues to determine full details of the crash, police say that alcohol appears to have been a factor.
With files from David Ewasuk
