Canadian police have confirmed 15 people were killed when a semi-trailer collided with a bus carrying a junior hockey team in Sasketchewan on Friday. A 15th person died on Saturday after 14 fatalities were confirmed overnight.
The Humboldt Broncos were en route to Nipawin for Game 5 of its semifinal series when the collision occurred. There were reportedly 29 people on the bus, including the driver. No information has been provided at this point as to the identities of those who were killed.
Here’s what we know so far: ‘You are in Saskatchewan’s hearts’: Deaths confirmed in junior hockey team bus crashhttps://t.co/wmIeHAXb85 pic.twitter.com/6M6FN9nt3r
— Charles Hamilton (@_chamilton) April 7, 2018
Here’s the release the Royal Canadian Mounted Police issued early Saturday local time, before the 15th fatality was confirmed:
We can now confirm 14 people have died as a result of this collision. The other 14 people were sent to hospitals with a variety of injuries; three of these people have injuries that are critical in nature.
Darren Opp, president of the Nipawin Hawks, told media that the truck had T-boned the player’s bus, though this has not been confirmed by authorities.
The male driver of the truck survived with minor injuries. He was initially detained after the incident, but has reportedly now been released. Police stress that the investigation which will now commence is a complex one, and that “this work will take some time.”
“It’s one of the hardest days of my life,” said Broncos team president Kevin Garinger. “There have been multiple fatalities – our whole community is in shock, we are grieving and we will continue to grieve throughout this ordeal as we try to work toward supporting each other.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted a statement supporting the team and the Humboldt community.
To the entire Humboldt Broncos hockey community: We are here for you. As neighbours, as friends, and as Canadians, we grieve alongside you. Statement: https://t.co/jKloGgn5io
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) April 7, 2018
“We are heartbroken knowing many of those we lost had their entire lives in front of them,” his full statement reads. “We grieve with those facing news no parent or family should ever have to face. And our hearts go out to the community that has lost teammates, coaches, friends, and mentors.”
We’ll keep you updated.
