Grieving families, dignitaries, first responders: many came to Dauphin on this Saturday in June to attend the unveiling of the monument intended to pay tribute to the 17 victims of the tragic bus accident that occurred near Carberry, in Manitoba a year ago.
On June 15, 2023, a bus left Dauphin towards the casino Sand Hills for a day out collided with a semi-trailer near Carberryin southern Manitoba, at the intersection of the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 5, causing 17 deaths and 8 injuries.
Some 200 people gathered on Saturday to honor their memory, including the province’s premier, Wab Kinew. Some stood, others sat, still others held each other in the CN park where the ceremony took place under an overcast sky.
The names of those who died in the accident and those of the survivors were read out during the ceremony, before a moment of silence.
They are parents, grandparents, families, friends, neighbors, we can read in English on the monument. They are leaders and volunteers in their churches, their community festivals, their local organizations.
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The monument was unveiled during a ceremony at CN Park in Dauphin.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Travis Golby
The Dauphin Fire Chief unveiled the monument with dignitaries from Brandon and the RM of North Cypress-Langford.
Thank you for holding the hands of those who were fighting for their lives that day, for maintaining the dignity of those who were lost, we can read on the monument. You were heroes to people in need and we thank you for that.
Volunteers distributed programs and small packets of forget-me-not seeds, a flower called forget-me-not in English, for people to sow after the ceremony is over.
Dauphin Mayor David Bosiak said the past year has been difficult. As we try to carry on in the absence of those we love, we will be able to remember them every time we see this monument, he said. It is to be hoped that with the passage of time, seeing this monument will bring joy rather than sorrow.
The semi-trailer had priority
By viewing the images from the semi-trailer’s camera, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police were able to determine that the truck had the right of way. The file has been handed over to Crown prosecutors who must decide whether charges will be laid.
There RCMP said he was unable to speak to the bus driver, who suffered serious injuries in the accident.
The province is looking at three options to improve safety at this intersection.
Recognized first responders
It’s a difficult day for many people
declared Prime Minister Wab Kinew, offering his condolences to the families.
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About 200 people gathered at CN Park for the ceremony in memory of the victims of Manitoba’s deadliest highway accident.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Travis Golby
It’s important to come together in times like these because while we don’t have answers to the tough questions, we know that by being there for each other we can see the path forward.
added the Prime Minister.
Wab Kinew assured the survivors: You are not alone
he reminded them.
He also thanked the first responders who responded to the accident scene. Your intervention, he told them, had made a real difference.
First responders will receive the Order of the Bison Hunt, an honor bestowed at the discretion of the Premier of Manitoba.
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The RCMP first released the names and photos of 16 people who died following the accident on June 15, 2023. A 17th person, Catherine Day, died in hospital a month later, on July 16 . (Archive photo)
Photo: Radio-Canada
With information from CBC and The Canadian Press
