At least 15 people died and 10 others injured Thursday in a crash between a tractor-trailer and a minibus carrying elderly people in central Canada, police said.
The two vehicles collided at the intersection of two highways about two hours from Winnipeg — Manitoba’s capital — around noon (5:00 p.m. GMT).
“Ten people were taken to hospital with various injuries,” said Rob Hill of the Manitoba provincial police, where the accident took place.
A total of 25 people were in the minibus, “mainly elderly people”, he said. “The toll could rise overnight.”
The minibus was hit by the semi-trailer while crossing the tracks, police said, adding that an investigation was underway to determine the causes of the accident.
“Sadly, in Manitoba and across Canada, this day will be remembered as a tragedy of incredible sadness,” added Rob Hill.
“It was really, really surreal to see the scale of the accident. I had never seen that,” Nirmesh Vadera, who arrived nearby shortly after the incident, told AFP.
According to this man, who works in a hotel-restaurant on the highway and contacted by telephone by AFP, many emergency vehicles were on site, as were two helicopters. Dozens of people were deployed at the scene.
A semi-trailer was visible lying on the side and a little further a van was in flames, he said again, describing a lot of smoke.
“The news coming out of Carberry, Manitoba is tragic,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Twitter. “I offer my deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones today, and the injured are in my thoughts. I can’t imagine the pain you are feeling, but the Canadians are there for you,” he said. he adds.
“I am heartbroken to hear the news of the tragic accident near Carberry. I send my deepest condolences to everyone involved,” Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson tweeted.
Police have asked motorists to avoid the area and allow emergency vehicles to pass. The highway is cut off in both directions, authorities said.
Both drivers are alive and have been taken to hospital, Manitoba Police Rob Lasson said.
“This is a large and very complex investigation. We must be aware that there could be criminal acts. We cannot give more details at this time”, he added before explain that this accident was “reminiscent of the tragic collision that occurred in Humboldt, Saskatchewan”.
Thursday’s tragedy indeed tragically echoes an accident that occurred in 2018 in the neighboring province of Saskatchewan. Fifteen people were killed in a collision between a truck and a bus carrying young ice hockey players, the national sport.
06/16/2023 03:41:43 – Montréal (AFP) – © 2023 AFP
