Pick-up truck uses wrong drive-through at ATB Financial

Miriam Ostermann
Times Associate Editor

 

Two ATB Financial employees were distressed and treated for minor injuries on Oct. 23 after a driver took the bank’s drive-through service literally.
Off-duty at the time, Cpl. Jay Salmon drove by the Ranch Market area bearing witness when a Ford pick-up truck crashed into the branch just before 5:45 p.m., surprising two employees who remained in the building after hours and causing considerable damage to two of the offices at the front of the building. Strathmore RCMP reported only minor injuries as a result of the collision for all parties involved, who were treated at the scene.
“We’re dealing with it as a collision, there was nothing really to indicate any criminal actions at that point,” said Salmon on Oct. 26.
“It’s still under investigation so there may be some provincial statutes that we’re looking at, but as far as the criminal aspect, I don’t believe we’re pursuing any further on that.”
The two ATB Financial team members present during the accident returned to work on Monday, but were unsettled by last week’s events. A spokesperson for the branch addressed the incident adding that the bank’s disaster recovery mode took effect when the incident occurred. The measure included having a crew on the scene to ensure the area was secure and locked-up, and the alarm system was still in working order.
“Our biggest concern was for everybody’s well being, so obviously we had a couple of team members who were there when it happened who were shaken up and our concern is for them,” said Barry Strader, corporate reporter with ATB Financial. “So luckily they were OK and we’re thankful for that, and we’re really hopeful that the driver is OK.”
While it was back to business as usual for the financial institution earlier this week, Strader added, the extent of the damage still needs to be assessed and repairs are expected to take one to two months to complete.
Strathmore RCMP were unable to disclose any information regarding the driver as the investigation is now closed without charges being laid.