Carberry, 16 June, 2023 (GNP): A devastating collision occurred on Thursday afternoon along the Trans-Canada Highway near Carberry, resulting in the loss of at least 15 lives and leaving many injured. The incident involved a bus carrying 25 individuals, mostly older people, which collided with a semitruck. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Manitoba described the scene as a “mass casualty collision.”
The crash occurred around noon local time, and the cause is yet to be determined. The victims, mostly elderly individuals, tragically lost their lives, while ten others sustained injuries and were promptly taken to nearby hospitals. At this time, the authorities have not released the names of those affected.
Assistant Commissioner Rob Hill, commanding officer of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Manitoba, expressed his deepest condolences during a news conference, acknowledging the anguish and uncertainty faced by families awaiting news of their loved ones. He emphasized the challenges of not having immediate answers and apologized for any further distress caused.
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According to initial reports, the bus was traveling from Dauphin, a town located two hours north of Carberry. After the southbound bus cleared the westbound lanes at an intersection, it collided with the eastbound semitrailer.
Both drivers involved in the collision are currently receiving medical treatment at a local hospital.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his deep sorrow, calling the crash “incredibly tragic” in a message on Twitter. He offered his support, stating that Canadians stand in solidarity with those affected by this heartbreaking event.
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
Law enforcement officers continue to work at the crash site, assessing the need for potential criminal charges. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have sought assistance from their counterparts in Saskatchewan, who were involved in the investigation of a similar tragedy that occurred five years ago involving the Humboldt Broncos hockey team.
In response to the incident, local resources were swiftly mobilized. Four emergency aircraft, including two helicopters, were dispatched from Winnipeg and Regina, and STARS, an air ambulance nonprofit organization, deployed 14 critical-care crew members to the scene.
Local hospitals promptly activated a “code orange” alert, enabling them to efficiently manage multiple patients by increasing staffing levels and allocating additional resources, including surgical and critical-care teams.