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 took place on Thursday, June 15, on the Trans-Canada Highway near Carberry, Manitoba in Canada.
Investigations are ongoing as authorities strive to determine the cause of the disastrous collision.
Ten of the survivors sustained injuries and are receiving medical care at nearby hospitals.
During a media briefing, Assistant Commissioner Rob Hill, commanding officer of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Manitoba, extended his condolences and addressed the stress of the families who are waiting for information, stating, “I am so sorry we cannot provide you with the definitive answers you need more quickly.”
The bus, en route from Dauphin to Carberry, was hit by an eastbound semi-trailer after it cleared an intersection. Both drivers suffered injuries and are now under medical supervision.
Law enforcement is scrutinizing the event for possible criminal charges. The immediate response involved all local officers of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and four emergency aircraft, including helicopters from Winnipeg and Regina. STARS, an air ambulance organization, sent 14 critical-care staff to the accident location.
In response to the crisis, local hospitals initiated a “code orange” alert, mustering extra personnel and resources to handle the patient surge, which included the involvement of surgical and critical-care teams.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Manitoba’s Premier, Heather Stefanson, expressed their sorrow, with Trudeau defining the incident as “incredibly tragic” and assuring solidarity with the victims.
