At least 15 people have tragically lost their lives when a bus carrying elderly passengers and a truck collided in Manitoba, Canada.
The crash happened near Carberry, west of Winnipeg, on the Trans-Canada Highway. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) reported that 10 people, including the two drivers, were hospitalized with serious injuries.
Eyewitness John Proven described the scene as a “massive accident”, with the vehicle on fire and a semi-trailer nearby with severe front-end damage. The bus was on its way from Dauphin to the Sand Hills Casino in Carberry when the incident occurred. Paramedics including the air ambulance and 12 other ambulances were quickly dispatched to the scene.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, specifically why the bus crossed into the truck’s lane, although footage indicated the truck had the right of way. RCMP Superintendent Rob Lasson stressed that no one has yet been blamed as the investigation is ongoing.
The tragedy has drawn comparisons to the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash in Saskatchewan that claimed 16 lives. Manitoba officials reached out to those involved in the Humboldt investigation because of the similarities between the two incidents.
William Doherty, CEO of the shipping company in question, expressed his deep sorrow and pledged his full cooperation with the investigation. CTV News said: “The thoughts of the entire Day & Ross team go out to those who have lost loved ones in this terrible tragedy. We hope for a speedy recovery of the injured. We will cooperate fully with the investigation and offer all the support we can.”
Prime Minister Trudeau also offered his condolences, saying, “The news from Carberry, Manitoba is truly heartbreaking. My deepest condolences go out to those who lost loved ones today, and my thoughts go out to those injured. I can’t imagine the pain these disabled people are feeling, but Canadians are here for you.”
The crash deeply affected the tight-knit community of Dauphin, where many of the victims lived. Mayor David Bosiak stated, “Everybody in town knew someone who was on that bus. There is a collective sense of shock… this is a huge tragedy for our small community. It feels like a punch to the gut. We are so sorry for this heartbreaking loss.”
The devastating crash in Manitoba left a deep mark on both the local community and the wider Canadian public. The loss of at least 15 lives and the severe injuries sustained by others in a bus-truck collision is a heart-wrenching tragedy. The response of the authorities, emergency services, and the transport company reflects the seriousness of the situation and the collective effort to understand the causes of this disaster.
The community of Dauphin, where many of the victims lived, is dealing with an overwhelming sense of grief. As Mayor David Bosiak pointed out, this tragedy hit close to home for everyone in the city, with nearly every resident knowing someone affected by the accident. The emotional toll is profound and the road to recovery will undoubtedly be long.
Nationally, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s expression of sympathy underscores the broader impact of the tragedy, as Canadians everywhere stand in solidarity with the victims and their families. As the investigation continues, we hope answers will emerge that will help bring closure to those affected by this unimaginable loss.
Meanwhile, support from the trucking company, local government, and the compassion of people across the country serves as a reminder of the strength and unity that can arise in the face of tragedy. While the pain of this incident will be felt for years to come, the resilience of the affected communities and support from across Canada will help them carry out the healing process.