14 Dead In Canadian Junior Hockey Team Bus Accident

Friday night the Humboldt Broncos, a Canadian junior league hockey team, were on their way to a semi-final game in Western Canada when the team bus was involved in a highway collision that caused 14 fatalities, the bulk of which may have come from among the players and coaches of the team.

The bus was reportedly traveling on Highway 35 in Seskatchewan when, according to an ESPN report, it was T-boned by a semi-trailer truck. The Humboldt bus was reportedly carrying 28 passengers—a statement from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police makes it seem like no one on the bus escaped unscathed:

From the ESPN report:

Michelle Straschnitzki, who lives in Airdrie, said her 18-year old son Ryan had been taken to a hospital in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. “We talked to him, but he said he couldn’t feel his lower extremities so I don’t know what’s going on,” she said. “I am freaking out. I am so sad for all of the teammates and I am losing my mind.”

The Humboldt Broncos are in a tier of Hockey Canada for North America-born players aged 16-21. Per the team website:

The Humboldt Broncos organization has experienced incredible tragedy. While en route to Nipawin, the Broncos bus was involved in a terrible accident which has resulted in multiple fatalities and serious injuries.

Broncos President, Kevin Garinger has made the following statement: “Our thoughts and prayers are extended to the families of our staff and athletes as well as to all who have been impacted by this horrible tragedy. Our Broncos family is in shock as we try to come to grips with our incredible loss.”