Driver killed in fiery Crowchild Trail crash was 16 years old

After an initial investigation, Calgary police now say the person who died in Wednesday morning's fiery crash on Crowchild Trail was a 16-year-old boy, whose vehicle was struck by another driver who had changed lanes.

The collision happened at approximately 8:18 a.m. and involved two vehicles of the same make, model and colour.

The 16-year-old was driving a white 2009 Lincoln MKX and was travelling from the 50th Avenue S.W. interchange onto the far-right northbound lane of Crowchild Trail, police said.

At the same time, a 47-year-old man was travelling northbound on Crowchild in an adjacent lane in a white 2011 Lincoln MKX. The man had "a young child passenger" in the vehicle, police said in a release.

"As the 2009 Lincoln continued in the northbound lanes, the 2011 Lincoln changed lanes, moving into the far-right lane, striking the 2009 Lincoln," police said.

"The impact caused the 2009 Lincoln to enter the east shoulder of Crowchild Trail, ultimately striking a large concrete base of a support pole for a large traffic sign."

The 16-year-old's vehicle "suffered significant damage and caught on fire," and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said the 47-year-old driver initially left the scene, but returned shortly after. Both he and his young passenger were uninjured.

Speed is being investigated as a possible factor in the collision, police added. Alcohol and drugs are not considered to be factors.

Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the collision, or who may have dashcam footage, to contact them by calling the non-emergency line at 403-266-1234.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.