Monitoring Desk
MONTREAL: At least four people were killed and dozens of others injured after a passenger bus slipped in western Canada due to icy roads caused by weather conditions.
According to authorities, the accident occurred on Saturday evening in British Columbia, east of Vancouver.
Extremely icy road conditions in Canada
Federal police said that they suspected “extremely icy road conditions” caused the turnover of the bus, but the investigation was still going on. The police said that four people were confirmed dead while multiple had sustained injuries.
The regional health authority said that after the incident, 53 people had been treated at hospitals including 36 who suffered “serious to minor” injuries. As of Sunday morning, eight people were admitted to the hospital, including two in critical condition.
‘’I am shocked and saddened by the news,’’ said British Columbia Premier David Eby.
He said that their thoughts were with those impacted by the crash, the first responders, and their loved ones, including healthcare workers giving their all to treat people and keep them safe.
Provisional transportation authorities tweeted that a portion of the highway impacted by the bus crash was closed Sunday morning. The accident occurred due to bad weather causing multiple accidents during one of the year’s busiest travel periods ahead of the New Year holidays and Christmas.
Due to power outages and downed trees caused by a massive winter storm, trains between Ottawa and Toronto were disrupted throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday in Canada. Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau tweeted on Saturday advising all Canadians across the country affected by winter to stay safe. He further said that crews were working hard to restore power, clear roads, and bring online services back. He advised keeping a check on neighbors and friends to know if they needed anything.
