Hearts across the nation are with the Humboldt Broncos Junior A hockey team and their families following yesterday’s (April 6th) tragic bus crash on a rural Saskatchewan highway.
RCMP have now updated the number of people on the bus and number of injuries, from 28 to 29 people on the bus at the time (including the driver) when it collided with a semi transport unit.
The original number of confirmed fatalities was 14, that was been updated now to 15, with 14 remaining in hospital with a number of injuries, some that are considered critical in nature.
The driver and lone occupant of the semi was not hurt.
The Mounties are being assisted by a number of partner agencies as they continue to notify next of kin, a crisis centre was set up by the City of Humboldt last night at their arena for anyone impacted by the crash, as well as a church in Nipawin took in families awaiting news.
The Broncos were travelling to Nipawin to play the Hawks in their latest playoff series, the two teams are part of the 13 team Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.
At a news conference today (April 7th), Assistant Commissioner Curtis Zablocki, with the Saskatchewan RCMP, said the investigation will be looking at all aspects of the collision to figure out what happened.
"The driver of the semi-trailer tractor unit is not in custody," said Zablocki. "As part of the process of the investigation, the driver was detained initially. Our investigative processes were implemented and the driver has subsequently been released. He has also been provided with some mental health and wellness assistance."
The cause of the investigation is still under investigation. Zablocki said a number of avenues need to be considered such as road and weather conditions, the condition of the driver and mechanical conditions.
Social media feeds are filled with an outpouring of condolences for the team, and donations through a Go Fund Me Page continue to climb, up over 4.2 million dollars in support for the players and families affected.
There has been no information released yet on the lives lost, the Bronco’s playoff roster does include a number of players from Alberta communities, including Edmonton, Leduc, Slave Lake, St. Albert, Airdrie, Lethbridge, Stoney Plain and Olds.
Our colleagues in Humbolt are following the latest developments closely:
https://www.discoverhumboldt.com/local/two-bolt-fm-members-die-in-crash
https://www.discoverhumboldt.com/local/rcmp-confirm-number-of-fatalities-from-bronco-bus-accident
https://www.discoverhumboldt.com/local/go-fund-me-page-raises-over-7-500-for-families-of-broncos
https://www.discoverhumboldt.com/local/broncos-bus-crash-a-serious-blow-to-humboldt-mayor-says
https://www.discoverhumboldt.com/local/support-is-pouring-out-as-more-details-become-available
https://www.discoverhumboldt.com/local/information-available-to-family-of-bus-accident
Sat, Apr 20, 9:00 AM
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