At least 15 people have lost their lives in a devastating crash between a passenger bus and a truck on the Trans-Canada Highway near Carberry, Manitoba, west of Winnipeg. The bus, carrying elderly residents from Dauphin to the Sand Hills Casino, collided with a semi-truck on Thursday, resulting in one of the province’s deadliest highway accidents in recent memory.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed that 10 additional individuals, including the drivers of both vehicles, sustained serious injuries and were transported to hospital for treatment.
Eyewitness John Proven described a harrowing scene, noting a burning vehicle and a severely damaged semi-truck at the crash site. Emergency services responded swiftly, deploying an air ambulance and 12 ground ambulances to provide immediate assistance.
Authorities are still working to determine the cause of the crash. Preliminary footage suggests the truck had the right of way, but RCMP Superintendent Rob Lasson emphasized that no conclusions have been drawn and the investigation remains ongoing.
The tragedy has drawn comparisons to the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash in Saskatchewan, which claimed 16 lives. Manitoba officials are consulting with investigators involved in that incident to support their current efforts.
William Doherty, CEO of the trucking company Day & Ross, expressed sorrow and pledged full cooperation. “The thoughts of the entire Day & Ross team are with those who have lost loved ones in this terrible incident,” he said in a statement to CTV News. “We are holding out hope that those injured will recover.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also extended his condolences. “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.”
The loss has deeply affected the tight-knit community of Dauphin, home to many of the victims. Mayor David Bosiak reflected on the widespread impact, stating, “Literally everyone in town knew someone that was on that bus. There’s a collective feeling of shock … it’s just a tremendous tragedy for our little community.”
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