Deputy Police Officer Rob Hill, commander of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Manitoba, confirmed the shocking death toll.
“At least 15 individuals were pronounced dead as a result of the collision,” Hill stated in a press briefing.
This loss of life has deeply affected the families involved, and authorities continue their investigation to uncover the full details of the crash.
Alongside those who lost their lives, ten others were severely injured and are being treated at local hospitals.
The full extent of their injuries has not been fully disclosed, but some are reported to be in critical condition.
Medical teams have been praised for their swift and coordinated response to the emergency, working tirelessly to provide the best care possible.
Both the bus and truck drivers survived the crash, though law enforcement has yet to release any details regarding who may have been at fault or what caused the accident.
Investigators are considering various factors, including road conditions, weather, and vehicle mechanical status, as they work to piece together what led to the catastrophic event.
It remains unclear whether human error, a vehicle malfunction, or another factor contributed to the crash.
Heartbreaking photos and videos from the scene show the devastation left in the wake of the collision. Debris was scattered across the road, with disturbing images of wheelchair seats and walking frames found near the wreckage.
These emotional reminders of the elderly victims highlighted the scale of the tragedy.
As investigators worked on-site, the bodies of the victims were respectfully covered, and the haunting visuals of personal belongings in disarray underscored how quickly life can change.