The driver of a pick-up truck who was transported by STARS air ambulance to the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg after a two-vehicle collision on Highway 1 near Portage la Prairie Thursday is in stable condition in critical care, the RCMP says.

Around 4:30 p.m., Thursday, a Chevrolet Avalanche truck travelling westbound on Highway 1 collided into the back end of a semi-trailer carrying combine equipment at Road 40 west, close to the Portage by-pass. The driver of the Avalanche was airlifted to hospital, while two occupants in the semi were unharmed.

The westbound lanes of Highway 1 west of Portage were closed for more than two hours due to the collision.

Police say everyone involved in the incident were wearing seatbelts. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor.

The investigation is ongoing.