UPDATE: Another member of the Humboldt Broncos has passed away in hospital

NowMedia staff | April 7, 2018 in National News

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(UPDATE: Apr. 11, 2018 @ 5 p.m.) - There are now 16 confirmed fatalities as a result of the Humboldt Broncos crash. 

Dayna Brons, the athletic therapist for the Broncos, has sadly passed away from her injuries this afternoon. 

(UPDATE: Apr. 7, 2018 @ 3:45 p.m.) - Humboldt Broncos release a statement.

The Humboldt Broncos have released a statement on the tragedy experienced while en route to Nipawin on Friday.

“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," said Kevin Garinger, Broncos president.

The Broncos bus was involved in a collision with a semi-trailer which resulted in multiple fatalities and serious injuries.

(UPDATE: Apr. 7, 2018 @ 2:00 p.m.) - Police report a 15th casualty from the Broncos bus crash.

As of this afternoon, Saskatchewan RCMP were notified of another death resulting from the fatal bus crash.

This brings the number of people who died in the collision to 15.

Police are not releasing names.

(UPDATE: Apr. 7, 2018 @ 12:20 p.m.) - Humboldt officials speak at media conference.

Mayor of Humboldt, Robert Muench, spoke amidst tears, thanking first responders, police and victims services for their collaborated efforts.

He said he'd received many calls from other municipalities sending their condolences, including Prime Minister Trudeau.

Acknowledging that this tragedy has struck a chord with families across the country, he added that there's no playbook for something like this.

He asked his community to continue to "stick together and support each other."

Assistant commissioner, Curtis Zablocki, addressed the media stating that the lone driver of the tractor semi-trailer unit was not injured in the collision.

However, a cause has not yet been determined.

The driver was heading westbound on Highway 35 and the bus was heading northbound.

The RCMP are not releasing the names of any passengers at this time out of respect for the family.

However, some family members are posting their thoughts on Facebook.

NowMedia has learned that head coach of the Humboldt Broncos, Darcy Haugan, has died in the crash. Haugan's sister, Debbie Carpenter posted a photo earlier today.

(UPDATE: Apr. 7, 2018 @ 10:30 a.m.) - Media conference at 1 p.m.

The Commanding Office "F" Division, assistant commissioner, Curtis Zablocki, and representatives from the Humboldt Broncos and the City of Humboldt will speak to the media today in Humboldt at 1:00 p.m. CST.

The conference will take place at the Humboldt Multiplex, 619 17th Street, Humboldt, SK
 
 

(UPDATE: Apr. 7, 2018 @ 9:15 a.m.) - Police say there were 29 people on the bus.

A recent RCMP statement is providing corrections to a previous report.

RCMP are now saying there were 29 passengers on the bus (including the bus driver) at the time of the collision. Fifteen were sent to the hospital with various injuries, some critical in nature, and 14 died in the collision.

Another update is expected sometime around noon.

(UPDATE: Apr. 7, 2018 @ 6:00 a.m.) - Police confirm 14 passengers have died.

Nipawin RCMP has confirmed that of the 28 people on the bus, 14 have died as a result of the collision. The other 14 passengers were taken to hospital and three remain in critical condition.

The Nipawin RCMP along with police officers from the surrounding Detachments and specialized investigational support units remain on the scene. 

The identity of the victims are not being confirmed at this time, including whether the deceased are players or coaches.

Officers and other support units are working to notify the families in a timely manner.

The Government of Saskatchewan has provided an information number for parents and family members of passengers involved in the collision.

Individuals seeking information about their family members can call 306-752-8700.

Another update is expected at around 10 a.m.

(Original story: Apr. 6, 2018 @ 8:35 p.m.) -  Tragedy unfolding on Saskatchewan highway for junior hockey team.

Nipawin RCMP are reporting that fatalities have been confirmed in a tragic crash involving the bus carrying the Humboldt Broncos and a semi-trailer.

On Friday, April 6, at about 5 p.m. CST, a semi-trailer collided with a passenger bus carrying members of the Humboldt Broncos on Highway 35 about 30 kilomtres north of Tisdale.

The Humboldt Broncos were traveling to Nipawin for a playoff game against the Nipawin Hawks. However, the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) team, was involved in a serious crash that claimed multiple lives. The number is unknown at this time.

The latest update from Nipawin RCMP says they “are continuing rescue efforts after a semi-trailer unit collided with a passenger bus carrying members of a hockey team.

“Fatalities have been confirmed, and we have a number of injuries. We are unable to confirm numbers at this time.”

The premier of Saskatchewan, Scott Moe, issued the following statement:

"Words can not describe the loss that we feel tonight. The news I have heard is difficult to comprehend.

Our province has always been one community. At our core, we are one small town, neighbours, friends and families.

To the City of Humboldt, the entire Broncos organization, and the families impacted by this tragedy, please know you are in Saskatchewan’s hearts.

From a grieving province, thank you to every one of the first responders and medical professionals for your courageous response under the most difficult circumstances imaginable.

Tonight, we all must pray for these families."

Nipawin Apostolic Church is providing a place for families to go during this time, and offering warm refreshments.


NowMedia will update this story as more information becomes available.


Below is the embedded Twitter moment.
 

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