WINNIPEG, Manitoba (REUTERS) – 15 elderly people on their way to a casino were killed in the Canadian prairie province of Manitoba on Thursday after a semi-trailer truck hit the vehicle they were in.
The crash occurred near the town of Carberry in southwestern Manitoba, west of Winnipeg. The crash would be one of the most deadly road in recent Canadian history.
Wheelchairs and crumpled walkers remained near tarps covering bodies at the site, the Winnipeg Free Press said. The second vehicle was operated by Handi-Transit, which transports the elderly and those with disabilities, it added.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said all available resources were being deployed to the scene. Manitoba health authorities said “mass casualty response” was under way.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau lamented what he called “incredibly tragic” news.
“I’m sending my deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones today, and I’m keeping the injured in my thoughts. I cannot imagine the pain those affected are feeling,” he said.
“My heart breaks hearing the news of the tragic accident near Carberry,” Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson said.
