15 Dead After Crash Between Semi and Bus Carrying Seniors in Manitoba

Smoke comes out of a car following a road accident that left 15 dead near Carberry, west of Winnipeg, on June 15, 2023. Nirmesh Vadera/AFP via Getty Images

Fifteen people are dead and 10 have been taken to hospital with various injuries, after a semi-trailer struck a bus carrying approximately 25 seniors from Dauphin, Manitoba, and surrounding areas on June 15.

RCMP Assistant Commissioner Rob Hill said at a news conference at 5 p.m. local time that the mass casualty event took place at approximately 11:45 a.m. earlier that day near Carberry, about 170 km west of Winnipeg. The drivers of both vehicles survived the crash and are being treated in hospital.

According to witness accounts, the passenger bus caught fire after the collision.  Various wheelchairs and crumpled walkers were at the scene earlier in the day, as well as tarpaulins and blankets covering victims.

First responders at the scene of a road accident that left 15 dead near Carberry, west of Winnipeg, on June 15, 2023. Nirmesh Vadera/AFP via Getty Images

Superintendent Rob Lasson, the officer in charge of Major Crime Services for the RCMP, said it was a “tragic day.” He said the police could only provide limited information as the investigation progresses.

“Our hearts go out to everyone involved in this horrible, horrible incident,” said Lasson.

“This is an unfolding event, and my facts will be very limited. I know everybody wants answers, and the public deserves those answers.”

Collision

According to the RCMP, the collision happened near Carberry. The semi-trailer was headed eastbound on Highway 1, while the bus from Dauphin was headed southbound on Highway 5.

“The bus had already crossed the westbound lanes of highway one and was crossing the eastbound lanes when it was struck by the semi. Immediately, it became apparent that this was a mass casualty situation. Numerous RCMPs were deployed from across the province,” said Lasson.

“This incident does have echoes of the tragic collision that happened in Humboldt, Saskatchewan, and we are very much aware of that,“ he added. ”We have already linked into the investigators in Saskatchewan, who have first-hand experience and were some of the primary investigators in the investigation into the Humboldt crash, who are assisting us right now in any way we can.”

Smoke comes out of a vehicle as first responders are pictured following a road accident that left 15 dead near Carberry, west of Winnipeg, on June 15, 2023. Nirmesh Vadera/AFP via Getty Images

The 2018 Humboldt crash killed 16 people and injured another 14. A northbound coach bus carrying 29 people, including many young hockey players, was struck by a transport truck that ran a stop sign. In that case, the truck driver received an eight-year prison sentence in 2019.

The RCMP said that not all families have been notified of their lost loved ones. Police said they are unable to establish who may have been responsible for this crash until further into the investigation.

According to officials, 12 ambulances responded to the scene of the collision, as well as at least one air ambulance that transported patients to Winnipeg and Brandon. Most of the patients were suffering from head injuries or orthopedic injuries, but no additional details were provided.

The RCMP said they have every available resource at the scene of the crash and are working with the medical examiner’s office. A family support centre has been set up in the basement of the Lutheran Church in Dauphin.

“Given the severity of this collision, the RCMP Manitoba Major Crime Services has taken care of the investigation and are now on scene,” said Hill.

‘Tragic’

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the crash was “incredibly tragic.”

“I’m sending my deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones today, and I’m keeping the injured in my thoughts,” he posted on Twitter. “I cannot imagine the pain those affected are feeling—but Canadians are here for you.”

Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson said the flags had been lowered at the Legislature “out of respect for those we have tragically lost.”

“Our hearts are broken, and our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of all the lives impacted by the horrific and devastating tragedy near the Town of Carberry,” the premier said in a statement. “I know our dedicated first responders and health-care workers are doing all they can to assist and I want to thank them on behalf of all Manitobans.”

The Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team reacted to the tragedy as well.

The scene of a crash that left 15 people dead near Carberry, Manitoba, on June 15, 2023. Steve Lambert/The Canadian Press

“We are devastated to learn of the tragic news coming from Carberry, Manitoba. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved and affected,” the team said.

Premiers of other provinces shared their messages of sympathy on social media.

“This is a devastating day for so many. From the first responders to the loved ones of all those involved in Manitoba’s tragedy today, Saskatchewan is grieving with you,” said Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe.

“As I sit here reading about the tragic vehicle accident that occurred recently in Manitoba, my heart aches for the victims and their loved ones who are now left to deal with the aftermath of such a devastating loss,” Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said.

“On behalf of all Ontarians, we send our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. God bless the first responders attending the scene,” said Ontario Premier Doug Ford.

The Canadian Press contributed to this report.