A devastating collision between a bus transporting seniors to a casino and a semi-trailer truck has resulted in the loss of 15 lives and left 10 injured. The incident occurred at a highway intersection in rural Manitoba, Canada, on Thursday.
Manitoba Royal Canadian Mounted Police Commanding Officer Rob Hill confirmed that the bus was carrying 25 individuals. Emergency resources were immediately dispatched to the scene, and 10 survivors were transported to hospitals. Images from the scene depict the charred remains of the bus in a ditch near the damaged transport truck. Debris, including broken glass, a bumper, and a walking aid, was scattered across the highway. Several tarps covered the victims.
RCMP Supt. Rob Lasson stated that both drivers survived the crash and are receiving medical care. He did not confirm whether they were among the 10 reported injuries. The deceased were primarily senior citizens. The bus, traveling south, was crossing the eastbound lanes at a stop sign when it was hit by the eastbound truck. Determining the right-of-way is a crucial aspect of the ongoing investigation.
The accident occurred near Carberry, Manitoba, located approximately 105 miles west of Winnipeg. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his condolences and support via Twitter. A family support center has been established at a Lutheran Church in Dauphin, Manitoba, to assist relatives. The bus passengers were from Dauphin and the surrounding areas.
Flags at the Manitoba legislature have been lowered to half-staff. The bus had been scheduled to arrive at the Sand Hills Casino in Carberry later that day. Kim Armstrong, administrator of the Dauphin senior center, confirmed the bus departed from the center Thursday morning. She highlighted the close-knit nature of the senior community in Dauphin, a city of around 8,600, where the senior center often serves as a vital social hub.
Trips to nearby events and casinos are common for seniors in the community. The trucking company, Day & Ross, expressed their sorrow and pledged full cooperation with the investigation. An eyewitness, Nirmesh Vadera, described seeing the burning bus and first responders working to rescue passengers. The tragedy evokes memories of the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash in Saskatchewan, which claimed 16 lives. Investigators from that incident are assisting with the current investigation.
