() — At least 15 people died Thursday in Canada when a bus and a truck collided on a rural road near Carberry, Manitoba, Assistant Commissioner Rob Hill of the Royal Mounted Police confirmed at a press conference.
The crash occurred at the intersection of Highway 1 and Highway 5, Hill said. In addition to the 15 people who died at the scene, another 10 victims were taken to hospital with injuries.
Most of those riding the bus were seniors who lived in and around the city of Dauphin, Hill said. The bus was headed to the Sand Hills Casino, a casino spokesperson told .
The casino is located about 12 miles south of Carberry. Authorities said the passengers were mostly elderly residents who lived in or near Dauphin, a city more than 100 miles from Carberry.
Ray Muirhead, Mayor of the City of Carberry, issued a statement posted on Facebook after collision: “First of all, our Carberry City Council is in shock following the very serious collision that occurred today, June 15, 2023.”
“We respectfully urge everyone to stay clear of the area to allow professionals to manage the situation effectively without unnecessary complications and distractions. Our thoughts are with anyone affected by this tragic event.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau posted on Twitter a message about the accident: “The news from Carberry, Manitoba is incredibly tragic. I am sending my deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones today, and I keep those injured in my thoughts. I can’t imagine the pain those affected are feeling, but Canadians are here to help them.”
A large number of Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers were deployed to the crash site at around 11:43 am local time, said Superintendent Rob Lasson, officer in charge of RCMP Major Crime Services.
Accident in Manitoba, Canada, leaves at least 15 people dead (Credit: NIRMESH VADERA/AFP via Getty Images)
The semi-truck was heading east on Highway 1 while the bus carrying senior citizens was heading south on Highway 5 when the collision occurred, Lasson said at a news conference.
The bus was struck by the truck as it was crossing the eastbound lanes, but there is no indication whether the bus had the right to leave the lane as the accident is still under investigation, Lasson added.
“Immediately it became clear that this was a high casualty situation,” Lasson said.
In addition, he added that both the truck and bus drivers are alive and being treated at local hospitals.
Lasson said he doesn’t think he’s ever seen in his entire career or a mass-casualty traffic accident like this one in Manitoba. “This is new to us and our researchers and it is also very emotionally draining for them,” he added.
A “code orange” was declared at local hospitals shortly after noon on Thursday, signifying a response to many victims.
Not all the families of the victims had been notified as of Thursday afternoon.
Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson issued a statement in the wake of the Carberry accident, ordering the flags flying at the Legislative Building to be lowered.
