A bus transporting senior passengers collided with a truck in Manitoba, Canada, killing at least 15 people. The incident occurred along the Trans-Canada Highway near Carberry, west of Winnipeg. According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), ten persons, including both drivers, were taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
According to eyewitness John Proven, the scene was a “huge accident” with a vehicle in flames and a semi-truck adjacent with its front end seriously damaged. The bus was transporting elders from Dauphin to the Sand Hills Casino in Carberry when the horrible tragedy occurred. Emergency services, including an air ambulance and 12 additional ambulances, were swiftly despatched.
Authorities are still investigating why the bus entered the truck’s lane, despite evidence showing the truck had the right of way. RCMP Superintendent Rob Lasson highlighted that no responsibility has been ascribed at this time because the inquiry is still underway.
This event has been compared to the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus tragedy in Saskatchewan, which killed 16 people. Given the similarities between the two instances, Manitoba officials have approached individuals involved in the Humboldt inquiry for assistance.
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, CEO of the trucking company involved, expressed sincere regret and pledged full cooperation in the investigation. He additionally stated to CTV News that “the thoughts of the entire Day & Ross team are with those who have lost loved ones in this terrible incident” .
“We are holding out hope that those injured will recover.” Mr. Doherty went on: “We will fully cooperate with the investigation and offer any assistance and support that we can.”
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
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was among those who expressed their condolences. “The news from Carberry, Manitoba, is quite unfortunate. I’m offering my heartfelt sympathies to those who have lost loved ones today, and I’ll keep the injured in my thoughts. I can’t understand the anguish people affected are experiencing, but Canadians are here for you.
The catastrophe has devastated the close-knit community of Dauphin, where many of the dead resided. Mayor David Bosiak stated, “Almost everyone in town knew someone who was on that bus.”
“Our community is shocked and devastated by this tragedy.
“It’s a kick in the teeth, a punch in the gut.”
We are deeply sorry for this unfortunate occurrence and the lives lost.
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