15 Deaths After Accident Between Seniors With Semi And Bus Transportation In Manitoba
Fifteen people are dead and ten have been taken to hospital with various injuries after a semi-trailer hit a bus carrying about 25 senior citizens from Dauphin, Manitoba and surrounding areas on June 15.
RCMP Deputy Commissioner Rob Hill said on a news conference at 5:00 p.m. local time the mass casualty occurred at about 11:45 a.m. earlier that day near Carberry, about 100 miles west of Winnipeg. The drivers of both vehicles survived the accident and are being treated in hospital.
According to witnesses, the passenger bus caught fire after the collision. Several wheelchairs and crumpled walkers were at the scene earlier in the day, as were tarpaulins and blankets covering the victims.
Superintendent Rob Lasson, the officer in charge of Major Crime Services for the RCMP, said it was a “tragic day”. He said police can only provide limited information as the investigation progresses.
“Our hearts go out to everyone involved in this horrible, horrible incident,” Lasson said.
“This is an unfolding event and my facts will be very limited. I know everyone wants answers, and the public deserves those answers.”
Crash
According to the RCMP, the collision occurred near Carberry. The trailer was traveling east on Highway 1, while Dauphin’s bus was traveling south on Highway 5.
“The bus had already crossed the westbound lanes of highway one and was crossing the eastbound lanes when it was hit by the semi. It immediately became clear that this was a mass casualty. Numerous RCMPs were deployed from across the province,” Lasson said.
“This incident has echoes of the tragic collision that took place in Humboldt, Saskatchewan, and we are well aware of that,” he added. “We have already contacted the investigators in Saskatchewan, who have first-hand experience and were some of the primary investigators in the investigation of the Humboldt crash, who are now assisting us in any way they can.”
The 2018 Humboldt crash killed 16 people and injured another 14. A northbound coach with 29 people on board, many of them young hockey players, was struck by a transporter with a stop sign. In that case, the truck driver was sentenced to eight years in prison in 2019.
The RCMP said not all families have been notified of their lost loved ones. Police said they are unable to determine who may be responsible for this accident until further investigation.
According to officials, 12 ambulances attended the scene of the collision, as well as at least one air ambulance that transported patients to Winnipeg and Brandon. Most of the patients suffered head or orthopedic injuries, but no additional details were provided.
The RCMP said they have all available resources at the scene of the crash and are cooperating with the medical examiner’s office. A family support center has been set up in the basement of the Lutheran Church in Dauphin.
“Given the severity of this collision, the RCMP Manitoba Major Crime Services has taken on the investigation and are now on the scene,” said Hill.
‘Tragic’
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the crash “incredibly tragic.”
“I extend my deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones today, and I hold those injured in my thoughts,” he wrote on Twitter. “I can’t imagine how much pain those affected feel, but the Canadians are here for you.”
Manitoba Prime Minister Heather Stefanson said the flags were lowered at the legislature “out of respect for those we have tragically lost”.
“Our hearts are broken and our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of all lives affected by the horrific and devastating tragedy near the town of Carberry,” the Prime Minister said in a statement. “I know our dedicated first responders and health care workers are doing everything they can to help and I want to thank them on behalf of all Manitobans.”
The Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team also reacted to the tragedy.
“We are devastated to hear of the tragic news from Carberry, Manitoba. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved and affected,” the team said.
Premiers from other provinces shared their condolences on social media.
“This is a devastating day for so many. From the first responders to the loved ones of all involved in Manitoba’s tragedy today, Saskatchewan grieves with you,” said Saskatchewan Prime Minister Scott Moe.
“As I sit here reading about the tragic car accident that recently occurred in Manitoba, my heart aches for the victims and their loved ones who are now dealing with the aftermath of such a devastating loss,” said Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. .
“On behalf of all Ontario residents, we extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. God bless the first responders who were on the scene,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford said.
The Canadian Press contributed to this report.
