Tragedy on the Prairies: Bus Crash Near Carberry, Manitoba Claims 15 Lives, Leaves Community in Mourning

Carberry, Manitoba — June 2025

A devastating tragedy unfolded Thursday near the quiet prairie town of Carberry, Manitoba, when a passenger bus carrying a group of elderly individuals on a day trip to a local casino collided with a semi-truck at a busy highway intersection. The violent crash, which occurred approximately 170 kilometers west of Winnipeg, has claimed at least 15 lives and left several others injured, shaking the region to its core.

A Day That Turned Into a Nightmare
The bus, which was transporting seniors from the Dauphin area—many of them retirees and long-standing community members—was traveling east along the Trans-Canada Highway when it approached the intersection with Highway 5, a known traffic junction just outside Carberry. Eyewitnesses report that in a split second, the large commercial truck collided with the bus, resulting in a fiery and chaotic scene that emergency responders described as “one of the worst in recent memory.”

Many passengers on the bus were instantly killed upon impact. Others were critically injured and airlifted to hospitals in Winnipeg and Brandon. Emergency services, including STARS air ambulance, fire crews, RCMP, and paramedics, responded swiftly, but the damage had already been done.

An Outpouring of Grief
In the wake of the collision, grief rippled through Manitoba communities. Flags were lowered, and vigils were held across the province, particularly in Dauphin, where most of the victims resided. Families and friends gathered at local churches and community centers, seeking comfort in each other and praying for those still clinging to life in intensive care units.

“This is a dark day for our town. These were our neighbors, our friends, our family,” said Dauphin Mayor David Bosiak, his voice heavy with emotion. “They were enjoying what should have been a joyful outing, and now we are left mourning an unspeakable loss.”

Premier of Manitoba and federal officials have offered condolences and promised support for the victims’ families. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement expressing his sorrow: “To the families and loved ones of those involved in the tragic crash near Carberry, we are holding you in our hearts. Canada grieves with you.”

Investigation Underway
RCMP confirmed that a major investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances that led to the crash. The intersection where the collision occurred is not unfamiliar with heavy traffic and complex crossings. Authorities are analyzing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and examining the black box from the semi-truck.

“We are not speculating at this stage,” said RCMP Superintendent Rob Lasson. “Our priority is to determine the facts through a thorough and methodical investigation.”

He also confirmed that the driver of the truck survived and is cooperating fully with investigators. The bus driver, sadly, was among the deceased.

Community Support and Healing
In the face of such overwhelming loss, communities across Manitoba have mobilized to provide support to those affected. Mental health counselors, grief support groups, and crisis intervention teams have been deployed in Dauphin and surrounding areas. Local businesses and volunteers have provided meals, transportation, and accommodations for grieving families.

“We need each other now more than ever,” said Reverend Anne Fletcher of Dauphin United Church, where a memorial service was held. “The pain is immense, but so is our resolve to support and love one another.”

GoFundMe campaigns have been set up to help with funeral costs and hospital bills, and the Red Cross has offered both financial assistance and mental health resources.

A Reminder of Life’s Fragility
This heart-wrenching incident serves as a grim reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictability of tragedy. It has sparked discussions across Manitoba about road safety, particularly at rural intersections where traffic patterns can be complex and visibility limited.

Transportation experts and community leaders are now calling for a review of highway infrastructure and the implementation of better safety measures to prevent future incidents.

“We owe it to those we lost today to ensure something like this never happens again,” said MLA Ron Schuler.

In Memory
As Manitoba mourns, tributes continue to pour in—flowers laid by roadside memorials, social media posts filled with memories, and the quiet moments of reflection observed in schools, churches, and homes.

Each of the victims had a story: a grandmother who baked cookies for every school fundraiser, a retired teacher beloved by generations of students, a couple who had just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They were more than just passengers on a bus—they were the heart of their community.

“Gone too soon, but never forgotten.”

The community of Carberry and the entire province of Manitoba will carry the scars of this tragedy for years to come. But in the shared sorrow, there is also unity, strength, and an unbreakable resolve to honor the lives lost—not just in memory, but in action, compassion, and lasting change.