At least 15 people were killed in a collision when a bus carrying 25 passengers collided with a semi-truck, resulting in a devastating “mass casualty” event.
The accident occurred on Thursday afternoon, June 15, on the Trans-Canada Highway near Carberry, Manitoba in Canada.
The cause of the collision remains unclear, as authorities continue their investigation. Ten injured people were transported to the hospital and are currently receiving treatment.
During a news conference, Assistant Commissioner Rob Hill, the commanding officer of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Manitoba, expressed his condolences and acknowledged the distress faced by families awaiting news about their loved ones. He said, “I am so sorry we cannot provide you with the definitive answers you need more quickly.”
The bus had been traveling from Dauphin to Carberry when the eastbound semi-trailer struck it after clearing the intersection. Both drivers are currently receiving medical treatment for their injuries.
Law enforcement officers are assessing the situation and considering potential criminal charges. Immediate response efforts involved deploying all available local officers from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, as well as four emergency aircraft, including two helicopters from Winnipeg and Regina. STARS, an air ambulance nonprofit organization, dispatched 14 critical-care crew members to the scene.
Local hospitals activated a “code orange” alert, mobilizing additional staff and resources to accommodate the influx of patients, including surgical and critical-care teams.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his condolences, describing the crash as “incredibly tragic” and assuring those affected that Canadians stand in solidarity with them. Manitoba’s Premier, Heather Stefanson, also conveyed her sympathy to the families and loved ones impacted by the devastating incident.
