A tragic accident in Manitoba, Canada, has claimed the lives of at least 15 individuals after a bus carrying elderly passengers collided with a truck. The crash occurred near Carberry, west of Winnipeg, on the Trans-Canada Highway. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) reported that 10 people, including both drivers, were taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
Eyewitness John Proven referred to the incident as a “massive accident,” noting a burning vehicle and a semi-truck with significant front-end damage nearby. The bus was transporting seniors from Dauphin to the Sand Hills Casino in Carberry at the time of the unfortunate event. Emergency responders, including an air ambulance and 12 additional ambulances, were rapidly sent to the scene.
Authorities are still investigating why the bus crossed into the truck’s lane, despite video evidence indicating that the truck had the right of way. RCMP Superintendent Rob Lasson stated that no one has been blamed yet, as the investigation is still in progress.
This incident has been likened to the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus tragedy in Saskatchewan, where 16 lives were lost. Officials in Manitoba have reached out for help from those who were part of the Humboldt investigation due to the similarities between the two events.
We are devastated to learn of the tragic news coming from Carberry, Manitoba.
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved and affected. pic.twitter.com/CiKu4OEiCU— Humboldt Broncos (@HumboldtBroncos) June 15, 2023
William Doherty, the CEO of the trucking firm in question, conveyed his profound sadness and pledged complete support for the investigation. He stated to CTV News that “the entire Day & Ross team is thinking of those who have lost loved ones in this tragic event.”
We remain optimistic that the injured will heal. Mr. Doherty also stated, “We will fully cooperate with the investigation and provide any help and support possible.”
Prime Minister Trudeau expressed his condolences, stating, “The situation in Carberry, Manitoba is deeply tragic. My heartfelt sympathies go out to those who have lost loved ones, and I am thinking of the injured. I can’t fathom the sorrow that those impacted are experiencing – but know that Canadians stand with you.”
The news from Carberry, Manitoba is incredibly tragic. I’m sending my deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones today, and I’m keeping the injured in my thoughts. I cannot imagine the pain those affected are feeling – but Canadians are here for you.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 15, 2023
The tragic accident has deeply affected the tight community of Dauphin, where numerous victims resided. Mayor David Bosiak remarked, “Almost everyone in town had a connection to someone on that bus.”
“There’s a collective feeling of shock … it’s just a tremendous tragedy for our little community.
“It’s a kick in the teeth, a punch in the gut.”
We are so very sorry for this tragic incident and the lives lost.
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