Toronto: A school bus went out of control and overturned in Canada, injuring the driver and 14 students. Four of the injured were airlifted to hospitals in Winnipeg after being reported in serious condition.
The accident occurred on Highway 10 in Manitoba, about 13 kilometres south of the town of Mafeking, when the bus driver attempted to overtake another bus. Due to high speed, the vehicle reportedly lost control and rolled into a ditch. The students were on their way to school at the time of the incident.
The Swan Valley School Division said the bus was carrying 14 students aged between 16 and 18, along with the driver. Health officials confirmed that all 15 injured persons were initially taken to the Swan Valley Health Centre. Of these, four were later airlifted to Winnipeg and admitted to the Children’s Hospital and an adult emergency care centre.
Officials said several students required stitches, while others suffered injuries including broken collarbones. News of the accident caused panic among parents, many of whom rushed to the health centre to see their children.
In the wake of the incident, renewed calls are being made to make seat belts mandatory on school buses. Authorities noted that Mafeking is located about 541 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police forensic team is conducting a detailed investigation into the cause of the crash. Health officials said an Orange Alert was initially issued at Winnipeg’s Health Sciences Centre as a precaution, but it was later cancelled.
In a statement, officials added that no further updates on the condition of the injured would be released to protect patient privacy. They expressed relief that no fatalities occurred in the accident.
