Deadly Manitoba highway crash investigation continues, RCMP interviewing survivors
The investigation into a deadly crash on a section of the Trans-Canada Highway is continuing by RCMP, as the Manitoba government has announced supports for family members of victims.
Supt. Rob Lasson with the RCMP’s Major Crimes Unit confirmed Monday that the two vehicles involved in the crash are undergoing mechanical analysis.
“This takes time, and we don’t anticipate having these accurate answers for a number of weeks or months,” he said, adding that the traffic unit is also involved with the investigation.
The crash involving a semi-truck and a handi-transit van on June 15 on the Trans-Canada Highway at the intersection of Highway 5 killed 15 people and hospitalized 10 people.
The passengers of the bus were primarily from Dauphin and the surrounding area, and were heading to a casino at the time of the crash.
RCMP said Friday a dashcam video from the semi-truck allegedly shows that the semi had the right of way at the time of the crash. Lasson said on Monday that they haven’t been able to interview the driver of the bus, saying he is still receiving medical care.
Lasson spoke of the challenges of the current investigation.
“Often times, in these types of scenes, it’s difficult to gather evidence,” he said. “It’s difficult because, normally, we have a numerous amount of eyewitnesses. In this case, we don’t, because all of the witnesses were in the bus, and a lot of them are in trauma right now, and we can’t talk to them. So we have to rely on forensic investigations, mechanical analysis of the vehicle, and that’s why it’s taking so long.”
Lasson said RCMP has conducted interviews of some of the victims hospitalized. He added that the autopsies of the crash victims has started, and names will be released once identities are confirmed.
Premier Heather Stefanson has instructed Manitoba Health to “immediately” make resources available to family members impacted by the crash to reimburse them for any travel, hotel or food costs.
“If any of you need to travel because of your family’s situation, our message is that we’re here to help you during this difficult time,” Stefanson said.
Lanette Siragusa, CEO of Shared Health, said five of the 10 patients in hospital remain in critical condition, with one being moved to a step down unit in the past day.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What is a 'halal mortgage'? Does it make housing more accessible?
The 2024 federal budget announced on April 16 included plans to introduce “halal mortgages” as a way to increase access to home ownership.
Here's where Canadians are living abroad: report
A recent report sheds light on Canadians living abroad--estimated at around four million people in 2016—and the public policies that impact them.
Deadly six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 sparked by road rage incident
One person was killed in a six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 in Innisfil Friday evening.
Chants of 'shame on you' greet guests arriving for the annual White House correspondents' dinner
An election-year roast of U.S. President Joe Biden before journalists, celebrities and politicians at the annual White House correspondents' dinner Saturday.
Opinion I just don't get Taylor Swift
It's one thing to say you like Taylor Swift and her music, but don't blame CNN's AJ Willingham's when she says she just 'doesn't get' the global phenomenon.
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
Harvey Weinstein hospitalized after return to New York from upstate prison
Harvey Weinstein’s lawyer said Saturday that the onetime movie mogul has been hospitalized for a battery of tests after his return to New York City following an appeals court ruling nullifying his 2020 rape conviction.
'We are declaring our readiness': No decision made yet as Poland declares it's ready to host nuclear weapons
Polish President Andrzej Duda says while no decision has been made around whether Poland will host nuclear weapons as part of an expansion of the NATO alliance’s nuclear sharing program, his country is willing and prepared to do so.
Central Alberta queer groups react to request from Red Deer-South to reinstate Jennifer Johnson to UCP caucus
A number of LGBQT+2s groups in Central Alberta are pushing back against a request from the Red Deer South UCP constituency to reinstate MLA Jennifer Johnson into the UCP caucus.