Following a tragic bus crash near Carberry, Manitoba, that claimed the lives of 17 people a year ago, RCMP officials expressed doubts about ever being able to speak with the driver involved in the incident. On June 13, Supt. Rob Lasson, officer in charge of major crime services for the Manitoba RCMP, stated, “We have to respect the privacy of the driver, but I can say that the results of the accident inflicted some severe medical issues for the driver, and he’s not able to provide those answers that we would like.”
As the one-year anniversary of the tragedy approaches, Supt. Lasson commended the patience of the victims’ families, acknowledging the complexity and uniqueness of the investigation that required extensive resources.
The bus was carrying seniors from Dauphin, Manitoba, to a casino near Carberry on June 15 of last year, with 25 people on board. The collision occurred on Highway 5 as the bus was crossing the Trans-Canada Highway and collided with a semi-trailer.
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According to police reports, the semi-trailer had the right of way at the intersection. Traffic on the Trans-Canada Highway has the right of way, while vehicles on Highway 5 are required to stop and yield.
Despite challenges in speaking with the driver, police have interviewed witnesses and survivors, conducted vehicle analyses, and reviewed forensic reports, as confirmed by Supt. Lasson.
In January, the RCMP provided their findings to the Crown attorneys’ office, which is still deliberating on whether to press charges. Supt. Lasson anticipates a decision in the near future but refrained from speculating on a specific timeline.
On June 16, the community of Dauphin plans to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the tragedy by unveiling a new monument in honor of the victims.
