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Royal Canadian Mounted Police confirmed that at least 15 people were killed and at least 10 injured in a “mass casualty collision” that occurred Thursday on a highway in Canada. The crash occurred around 11:40 a.m. local time on the Trans-Canada Highway between a semi-trailer truck and a bus near the town of Carberry in southwestern Manitoba, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The semi-trailer was traveling eastbound on Highway 1 when it struck the bus, which was traveling southbound on Highway 5, as the bus crossed the eastbound lanes, police said.
Superintendent Rob Lasson, officer in charge of major crime services for Manitoba, told reporters during a press briefing Thursday evening that it “immediately it became apparent that this was a mass casualty situation.” Assistant Commissioner Rob Hill said that the bus was carrying 25 people, the majority of whom were seniors. Ten were transported to the hospital with various injuries; and authorities were waiting to confirm the identities of those killed. Both drivers survived the crash and are in the hospital, authorities said.
Officer Lasson said that the incident will be investigated fully; and the head of the truck company involved in the crash, Day & Ross, said they will fully cooperate with the investigation, sharing in a statement: “All of us at Day & Ross are heartbroken by the tragic news out of Manitoba this afternoon. The thoughts of the entire Day & Ross team are with those who have lost loved ones in this terrible incident, and we are holding out hope that those injured will recover.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted: The news from Carberry, Manitoba is incredibly tragic. I’m sending my deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones today, and I’m keeping the injured in my thoughts. I cannot imagine the pain those affected are feeling – but Canadians are here for you.”
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