Tragic Bus Crash in Manitoba Claims Lives of 15 Seniors, 10 Injured on their Casino Trip
June 17 2023, Manitoba: A devastating collision between a bus and a semi-trailer truck in southwestern Manitoba has claimed the lives of 15 seniors, leaving the community in shock. Learn more about the accident, the investigation, and the aftermath of this tragic incident.
Tragedy struck the southwestern Manitoba community when a bus carrying 25 passengers, mostly seniors, collided with a semi-trailer truck, resulting in the loss of 15 lives. The incident occurred on Thursday morning as the bus was en route to a day trip at a casino. Ten other individuals on the bus sustained serious injuries and were rushed to the hospital, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
Here’s a table summarizing the details of the tragic bus crash in Manitoba:
| Date | Location | Vehicles Involved | Fatalities | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 15, 2023 | Southwest Manitoba | Bus, Semi-Trailer Truck | 15 | 10 |
Additional Information About Manitoba Bus Crash:
- The bus was en route to the Sand Hills Casino near Carberry, Manitoba.
- The bus had 25 passengers, consisting of 19 women and 6 men, ranging in age from 58 to 88.
- The semi-trailer truck involved belonged to the transport company Day & Ross.
- The collision occurred at the intersection of Highway 5 and the Trans-Canada Highway.
- The cause of the accident is under investigation, with no blame assigned at this time.
- Dashcam footage from the semi-trailer truck confirmed it had the right of way.
- Both drivers survived the crash and are cooperating with the investigation.
- 10 survivors were transported to hospitals in Winnipeg and Brandon for treatment.
- Support centers have been established for the families affected by the tragedy.
- The investigation is ongoing, and results are expected to be shared in approximately three months.
- The collision has drawn comparisons to the Humboldt Broncos tragedy in 2018.
The collision took place at the intersection of Highway 5 and the eastbound lanes of the Trans-Canada Highway. RCMP revealed that the semi-trailer truck had the right of way, as confirmed by dashcam footage. Eyewitness testimonies from passing motorists further supported the findings. However, the investigation is ongoing, and authorities have refrained from assigning blame at this stage.
The intersection where the accident unfolded is located just north of Carberry, a small town approximately 160 kilometers west of Winnipeg. Surrounded by fields, this quiet area has been shaken by the devastating crash.
The bus was operated by Quality Care Transit and was on its way to the Sand Hills Casino, situated near Carberry. The vehicle, which had a seating capacity of 24, was driven by the co-owner of the company. Manitoba Public Insurance stated that a Class 2 license, considered a professional license, is required to drive a bus with a seating capacity exceeding 24 passengers.
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Manitoba Bus Crash: The passengers on the ill-fated bus consisted of 19 women and 6 men, ranging in age from 58 to 88. Regrettably, 15 individuals lost their lives in the crash, while the remaining 10 were transported to hospitals with severe injuries.
Following the collision, emergency response teams swiftly arrived at the scene. The STARS air ambulance service dispatched two helicopters and 14 critical care medical crew members to provide immediate assistance. The survivors, comprising six women and four men aged between their early 60s and late 80s, were admitted to the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg and the regional health center in Brandon. Six of the survivors are in critical care units, while four are receiving treatment in surgical units for a range of serious injuries, primarily head and orthopedic injuries.
This intersection has seen relatively few accidents in the past. Between 2012 and the recent collision, only one crash resulting in a fatality had occurred at this junction. Over the same period, a total of 29 accidents were reported, including 12 with reported injuries. Among these incidents, seven involved collisions with animals, while 22 were vehicle crashes.
The aftermath of the accident has left the community in mourning and struggling to come to terms with the devastating loss. Manitoba’s chief medical examiner, Dr. John Younes, emphasized the challenges in visually identifying the victims due to the severity of their injuries. The process of official identification, involving fingerprints, dental records, medical history, and DNA comparison, is underway.
The RCMP is working closely with their counterparts in Saskatchewan, drawing from their experience in investigating the Humboldt Broncos tragedy in 2018. However, authorities anticipate that it may take up to three months to complete the investigation and release the findings, dependent on the survivors’ recovery and the information gathered.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his deepest condolences to the families affected by the crash, and Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson expressed her sorrow, emphasizing the widespread impact on the community.
As the investigation continues, the RCMP has urged the public to come forward with any information or videos that could assist in shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the collision. The semi-trailer truck involved in the crash, bearing the name of transport company Day & Ross, is being thoroughly examined as part of the investigation. Authorities are also determining whether the vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder, which could provide crucial data on factors such as speed and mechanical status.
Meanwhile, support centers have been established to provide assistance to the families affected by the tragedy. The Trinity Lutheran Church in Dauphin serves as one of the locations, offering solace and support during this difficult time. The community of Dauphin, with a population of approximately 8,000, has been deeply impacted by the loss, as many residents personally knew individuals aboard the ill-fated bus.
The fatal collision has once again brought attention to the need for enhanced safety measures at intersections and highways. While authorities continue their investigation, both the bus and the semi-trailer truck involved in the crash have been seized for further analysis.
This devastating incident evokes memories of the 2018 Humboldt Broncos tragedy, which claimed the lives of 16 individuals in Saskatchewan. The wounds from that incident remain fresh, and the parallels between the two accidents have added to the collective grief and sorrow felt across the country.
As the survivors continue their recovery, the focus shifts towards healing and supporting the affected families. The close-knit community of Manitoba rallies together, providing strength and solace to those who have lost loved ones in this heart-wrenching accident.
The investigation into the Manitoba bus crash serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for continual efforts to prevent such tragedies in the future. The outcomes of this investigation will not only provide closure to the grieving families but also contribute to improving transportation safety measures and preventing similar incidents from occurring.
As the days pass, the community of southwestern Manitoba and the nation as a whole mourn the loss of those who perished in this horrific accident. The impact of this tragedy will be felt for years to come, serving as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment spent with loved ones.
