Jets, Moose, Wheat Kings, ICE Share Support Following Devastating Bus Crash

All four of Manitoba's top hockey teams sent out supportive messages following the deadliest highway crash in provincial history.

Thursday, June 15, 2023 will go down as the deadliest day on Manitoba roads, ever. 

At 11:40 AM, local RCMP responded to multiple 9-1-1 calls from the intersection of the Trans-Canada Highway No. 1 and Highway 5, just north of Carberry, MB. 

A semi-trailer collided with a 24-passenger bus as it attempted to cross the double lane, east/west highway. The smaller of the two vehicles ended up shredded in the ditch with flames shooting out its roofless top.

According to eyewitness reports, a number of passengers were ejected from the wreck, with multiple fatalities upon impact. 

Loaded to the gills, all 25 occupants (driver included) suffered injuries. As of Thursday evening, 15 were pronounced dead, while the 10 others were immediately rushed to hospitals via STARS air ambulance, ground ambulance, plane or other emergency vehicles. 

The driver of both the passenger vehicle and the semi-trailer survived the accident.

Local hospitals entered Code Orange, signifying an incoming mass casualty event. 

With 15 lives lost and 11 others injured, the wreck is the deadliest on record within the province of Manitoba, and currently sits as the ninth-deadliest motor vehicle collision ever within Canada.

It also brings back a flood of horrible memories from the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus accident, to which 16 passengers died after the team bus was struck by a semi-trailer. 

A significant difference between the Humboldt crash and Thursday's wreck was that the driver of the semi-trailer was at fault back in 2018. At this point in the investigation, it appears as though that might not be the case on Highway 1. 

Heading south on Highway 5, the bus - loaded with seniors from the Dauphin Active Living Centre - was travelling to the Sand Hills Casino, to which it needed to cross over the Trans Canada Highway. Having already made it across the westbound lanes to the meridian, it was struck by the semi-trailer as it attempted to continue south across the eastbound lanes. 

RCMP Superintendent Rob Lasson indicated that a formal resolution will come, but those wanting an explanation will need to wait out the investigative process. 

"Answers will take some time, but I can assure you that the RCMP will get the answers," he said.

"Even at the outset of an investigation such as this, we need to be alive to the fact that there could be wrongdoing. And if so, there could be a criminal element to this investigation."

With support pouring in from government leaders, churches and healthcare professionals, Manitoba's four prominent hockey teams each sent out messages of support for those affected by the accident. 

"True North Sports + Entertainment offer our deepest condolences to the loved ones of those affected by today's tragic accident," the Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose shared in a joint statement. "Our thoughts are with the communities of Carberry and Dauphin and all Manitobans who have been impacted."

The two Western Hockey League teams within the province also sent messages of support. 

"The entire Brandon Wheat Kings organization is deeply saddened by today's tragic accident on the Trans-Canada Highway. Our thoughts and love go to all the families and friends of those involved and the to the first responders and medical teams."

Proximity-wise, the Wheat Kings' home arena is by far the closest team to the scene of the accident, as Carberry is just 50 kilometres east of Brandon.

"The Winnipeg ICE send our thoughts and prayers to all the family, friends and loved ones of all those who have been impacted by the tragic accident earlier today," the ICE wrote. 

Forensic collision reconstructionists continue to work on the scene alongside local RCMP, as the eastbound highway lane closure will stretch well into Thursday. 

Trinity Lutheran Church in Dauphin (2 Kirby Avenue) has opened a support centre for family members of those involved in the accident. Those waiting on news related to a loved one can call 204-647-5058. Family rooms have also been set up at both Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg and Brandon Regional Health Centre.