(This report was originally published at the time of the incident.)

In Manitoba, Canada, a tragic and devastating accident occurred on a Thursday that claimed the lives of at least fifteen people, sending shockwaves through the local community and across the country.

The deadly incident involved a passenger bus carrying a group of senior citizens and a large truck.

The two vehicles collided at a rural intersection near the small town of Carberry, located approximately 170 kilometers west of Winnipeg.

According to initial reports, the bus was en route to a nearby casino in Carberry, a popular recreational destination for seniors in the region.

The passengers on board were primarily elderly individuals, many of whom were looking forward to a day of leisure and socializing. What began as a routine outing ended in heartbreak and tragedy.

The collision took place at a crossroads along the Trans-Canada Highway, a busy route often traveled by commercial and passenger vehicles. The precise cause of the crash is still under investigation, but early indications suggest that the bus was crossing or entering the intersection when it was struck by an oncoming semi-truck. The force of the impact was catastrophic, resulting in extensive damage to the bus and leaving emergency responders with a harrowing scene.

Deputy Police Officer Rob Hill, commander of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Manitoba, provided an emotional update during a press briefing. “At least 15 individuals were pronounced dead as a result of the collision,” he confirmed. Hill expressed his deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and acknowledged the overwhelming grief felt throughout the community.

“This is a tragedy on an unimaginable scale,” Hill said, visibly shaken. “Many of those on the bus were seniors—parents, grandparents, and loved ones who were simply out for a day of enjoyment. Our hearts are with their families, friends, and everyone affected by this terrible loss.”

Emergency responders from multiple jurisdictions arrived quickly at the scene, including paramedics, firefighters, and air ambulances. Survivors were transported to nearby hospitals in Brandon and Winnipeg with various degrees of injury, some in critical condition. The identities of the victims have not yet been released, as authorities work to notify next of kin.

The accident has left a deep scar on the Carberry and broader Manitoba community. Grief counseling and support services have been made available for families of the victims, as well as for first responders and medical personnel who dealt with the aftermath of the crash.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement expressing condolences, saying, “The news from Manitoba is heartbreaking. I’m sending my deepest sympathies to those who lost loved ones, and I’m keeping the injured in my thoughts. We are standing with the people of Manitoba during this difficult time.”

The RCMP has launched a full investigation into the circumstances of the crash, including reviewing traffic camera footage, interviewing witnesses, and examining the mechanical condition of both vehicles. As the community mourns, many are hoping for answers that might help prevent such a devastating event from happening again.