‘Disappeared in an instant:’ Manitoba RCMP releases names of 16 seniors killed in bus crash

RCMP have released the names of 16 seniors who died after a minibus was hit by a semi truck west of Winnipeg.

One by one, officers and family members posted large photos of the victims, ranging in age from 68 to 88, for a press conference Thursday in Dauphin, Man.

The bus was carrying the Dauphin-area group to a casino on June 15 when it crashed with the truck near the town of Carberry.

“The word tragedy has been used a lot this past week, but never has that word taken on as much meaning as when we look at the pictures in this room,” Supt said. Jeff Asmundson, commanding officer of the Manitoba RCMP’s Western District.

“Since the collision, a cloud has hung over this community. We lost 16 people who were mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, grandparents whose decades of contributions have helped make this community what it is.

“They were gone in an instant.”

Police say dash cam footage shows the bus crossing the Trans-Canada Highway when it drove into the truck’s path.

Fifteen people on the bus died that day and an injured woman died in hospital on Tuesday.

Health officials said nine others remained hospitalized, with four still in critical condition.

Some families have released short statements about their loved ones through the website RCMP.

“We are heartbroken and stunned by this tragedy and the loss of our vibrant mother, Baba and Great Baba,” said the family of Helen Kufley, 88.

“She was and always will be the cornerstone of our family, the one we always went to for advice and wisdom, and we will miss her terribly.”

Former school teacher Nettie Nakonechny, 87, was remembered for being proud of her Ukrainian heritage and a “Baba” not only to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but to many who knew her.

“She will be missed by all who loved her.”

Community members in Dauphin would hold a vigil Thursday night to mourn the victims.