At a news conference today (June 19), Manitoba RCMP said they have begun interviewing some of the 10 people who were injured in last Thursday’s bus crash that killed 15 people near Carberry, Manitoba.
A minibus was carrying a group of seniors from the Dauphin area to Sand Hills Casino when it collided with a semi-trailer at the intsection of the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 5. The drivers of the tractor trailer and the minibus both survived. Police said they still have not been able to speak with the bus driver. They have confirmed the semi had the right of way after reviewing its dashcam footage.
The mounties also said autopsies of those who died are underway and officials are working to officially identify the victims. They said the injuries suffered by those who died are making it difficult to identify them visually, so they will use other means including fingerprints and dental records.
Lanette Siragusa, chief executive officer of Shared Health, was also at the news conference and said the 10 survivors of the crash, six women and four men, who range in age from their 60’s to their 80’s, remain in hospital – and that one of the survivors has been moved out of critical care and into a step down unit. She said five remain in critical care.
Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson said her “heart is broken” for the people affected by the crash, and that she has instructed Manitoba Health to make resources available for families affected by the tragedy including reimbursements for travel, hotel and food costs.
Stefanson also said the province will bring in experts if necessary as part of a review to ensure safety at the intersection where the crash happened.
Meanwhile at Dauphin city council’s meeting today, councillors are to discuss a possible vigil to honour the 15 community members who died in last week’s crash.
(With files from the CBC)
