Deadly collision in Manitoba: 15 killed as truck crashes into bus carrying seniors
Montreal, June 16: Tragedy struck in central Canada's Manitoba province when a collision between a semi-trailer truck and a bus carrying seniors resulted in the death of at least 15 people and left 10 others injured. The incident took place near the town of Carberry, west of Winnipeg, prompting a swift response from Canadian police and emergency personnel.
According to RCMP Manitoba officer Rob Hill, the collision occurred at the intersection of Highway One and Highway Five, involving a bus carrying approximately 25 individuals, most of whom were elderly. Fifteen fatalities have been confirmed, while the injured individuals were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. The medical facilities in the region have been placed on high alert to handle the influx of victims.
The crash took place on the Trans-Canada Highway, and witnesses reported seeing tarps covering some of the victims. There were accounts of a burnt vehicle in a ditch near the highway, adding to the devastation of the scene.
Nirmesh Vadera, an eyewitness working at a roadside hotel restaurant near the accident site, described the extent of the accident as surreal, noting the presence of numerous emergency vehicles and two helicopters. The severity of the fire engulfing one of the vehicles was unprecedented in Vadera's experience.
The news of the tragedy quickly reached Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who expressed his deep condolences to the affected families through a tweet. He assured them that the entire nation stands with them during this painful time. Manitoba's premier, Heather Stefanson, also expressed her sincere condolences and ordered flags at the province's legislative building to be lowered to half-staff as a mark of respect for the lives lost.
As a result of the accident, the highway was closed in both directions, and authorities urged motorists to avoid the area. Eyewitness Josh Carson, a truck driver who had driven past the scene, described the aftermath as a devastating sight with people receiving medical attention and signs of a significant impact.
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This tragic incident bears similarities to a previous accident in 2018, where 15 individuals lost their lives when a truck collided with a bus carrying young ice hockey players in the neighboring province of Saskatchewan.
The investigation into the accident is ongoing, and authorities will work to determine the causes and circumstances surrounding the collision. The focus remains on providing support and assistance to the victims' families and ensuring the injured receive the necessary medical care.
- With inputs from agencies
