RCMP able to interview some of the Manitoba crash survivors
Posted June 19, 2023 1:28 pm.
Ten people are still in hospital following the fatal crash near Carberry, Manitoba last week.
“As of this morning, patients continue to be in hospital. Six are women, and four are men, with their ages ranging in their 60s to their 80s. Five of these patients remain in critical care, while a sixth was moved in the past day to step down unit,” said Lanette Siragusa, CEO of Shared Health.
“Our care teams at HSC (Health Sciences Centre) Winnipeg and Brendan Regional Health Centre continue to ensure that the needs of these ten patients and their families are being met and that they are comfortable.”
Manitoba RCMP says their investigation into the fatal collision is still ongoing.
Superintendent Rob Lasson said Monday, that officers were able to speak to some of the survivors of the crash over the weekend.
“This is a very important part of the investigation, hearing from the people that were actually there as we’re talking interviews to conduct these details wherever can be defaulted at this time because there are some important details to the investigation and those answers will come at the right time,” said Lasson.
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However, Lasson said officers have not been able to interview the driver of the bus at this time.
In addition, Lasson said the mechanical analysis of both vehicles is ongoing, adding, “We don’t anticipate having these accurate answers for a number of weeks or months.”
RCMP forensic collision reconstructionist and criminal collision investigative team members along with support from other police partners from across the province have been called in to help with the investigation.
Lasson also noted autopsies of the deceased have started. “This will begin the process of identifying the victims and will provide more information that will greatly assist our investigation and bring closure to the family.”
“I wish I could always give more answers than I can right now because I know this is very important and needed at this time,” said Lasson. “However, I know everyone has many questions about what has happened. And I assure you that these answers will come. We respect and appreciate the public’s patience.”
Calls for a review
Since the collision, there have been increased calls for a review of the intersection of Highway 5 and Highway 1 — where the collision occurred.
Premier Heather Stefanson was asked Monday morning if the province would be looking at improving the safety of the intersection.
“We will allow the RCMP to go through the process and we have to respect that process. I know there’s going to be a lot of questions out there that we will endeavor to get the answers to in due course. What I will say is that after any accident or incidents on our highways, there is an internal review that takes place. So that review is taking place right now because of the expanse of the severity of this review,” the Premier explained.
“We know we’re prepared to go beyond being an expert as needed, moving forward to see what that will look like. And we will unfold those and the details of that in due course.”
Stefanson added pending a provincial review, the section of the highway could see a change to improve safety but noted those talks will come following the RCMP’s investigation.
Supports available
The province and Shared Health will be providing additional support for those impacted by the collision.
Premier Stefanson said Shared Health will make resources available for family members affected and families will be reimbursed for any travel, hotel, or food costs needed.
“So, if…any of you have to travel for your family situation, our message to you is that we are here to help you during this difficult time. If you’re someone affected and needs assistance, please call 204-786-8000.”
Shared Health adding mental health professionals in Prairie Mountain Health have set up community support. It is to note, that the community support location is no longer at the Dauphine curling centre, and those who are looking for the new location are asked to go to City Hall for directions or by calling 204-622-3200.
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Mental health supports are also being made available to first responders of the crash, which includes critical incident stress debriefing.
“We encourage anyone who is struggling to come to terms with what has happened to reach out and connect with loved ones who they would rely on for emotional support,” said Siragusa.
Dauphin and the province have seen thousands of Canadians reach out with messages of condolences, to which the Premier said, “I also want to thank all of the other premiers across the country who have reached out and to the Prime Minister, as well as other citizens across the country who have reached out to offer their condolences…I want to thank them on behalf of all Manitobans as well.”
