Manitoba RCMP obtain video footage of fatal Carberry crash

CITYnews halifax \  \ By Cole Fortner

10 patients remain in hospital, following Thursday’s fatal collision involving a bus and a semi-trailer in Southwestern Manitoba. Alex Karpa reports.

From the video, RCMP Superintendent Rob Lasson says they were able to determine the “bus entered the roadway where the semi-trailer truck had the right of way to extend extensive analysis of the video before any further determinations are made.”

“We are not assigning culpability or laying any blame. At this time. We’re merely stating facts as we know,” said Lasson. “The investigation is still ongoing with a lot of work to do in order to obtain 100 per cent responsibility.”

Additionally, RCMP says the ten victims that are still in hospital have been identified. While no names have been provided, Mounties confirmed six are women, and four are men.

Both drivers were confirmed to be in the hospital following the crash. The semi driver has since been released and has been interviewed by RCMP.

Lasson noted, at this time, investigators have not been able to speak to the bus driver.

“At this time, we don’t know. We don’t know why. The bus proceeded into the lane there. That is something we’re going to continue to look into, though,” added Lasson.

As for the video footage, Lasson said the footage is short but confirmed it was a dashcam video pointing straight out of the cab of the semi.

“There’s a lot of analysis to be done on that video which is very key to the investigation. This time I can’t elaborate any further on that,” he explained.

Investigators have seized both the bus and the semi and will begin further analysis to determine whether the semi has an event data recorder, which Lasson said would help “ascertain a number of other pieces of information such as speed, exact coordinates and the mechanical status of the vehicle.”

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In addition, investigators say they interviewed witnesses of the crash and have been able to confirm their statements with the video footage from the semi.

Officials are hoping to begin autopsies on Monday to identify everyone.

“The last option we have for identification, which is a last resort, is using DNA comparison that was involved in gathering DNA samples from the deceased individuals,” said Dr. John K. Younes, Manitoba’s chief medical examiner.

“I’ve seen photographs seen and all the deceased individuals, and the reason we have to undertake scientific means of investigators or identification is that most — if not all — of the deceased have significant facial trauma. So identifying them visually is not possible.”