Four people died in the bus crash in British Columbia on Saturday night, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed. The vehicle would have skidded on the frozen road.
Posted 8:53am Updated 3:56pm
The RCMP released a statement on Sunday confirming that several people were also injured in the accident on Highway 97C, but did not specify the number of passengers assisted.
Local authorities had previously reported that 52 injured had to be transported to four hospitals in the province. Of these patients, 36 were treated for injuries ranging from minor to severe.
Regional health authorities have also triggered a Code Orange to respond to the situation. Such a protocol is activated during a disaster or situation involving multiple injuries and fatalities.
RCMP received multiple calls around 6 p.m. Saturday about a bus that had overturned east of the town of Merritt near the Loon Lake exit.
Although the investigation is ongoing, police say the vehicle probably went off the road due to the very dangerous road conditions.
An information telephone was set up to support the families of fellow travelers.
British Columbia Prime Minister David Eby said he was shocked by the event in a statement he signed with several of his ministers.
“Our thoughts are with everyone involved in this accident, their families and all first responders and healthcare workers who are doing their utmost to treat the injured and keep them safe,” the press release said.