ATAt least 10 people were killed Thursday in a crash between a tractor-trailer carrying disabled people and a pickup truck in central Canada, local media reported.
Given the severity of the crash, the toll could rise, with some media outlets such as the local newspaper Winnipeg Free Press already reporting 15 dead.
Police, who did not immediately respond to requests from AFP, explained on Twitter that they were intervening “at the scene of a very serious conflict” near the town of Carberry in Manitoba province.
Firefighters in the mid-sized city of Brandon said the crash involved a semi-trailer truck and a minivan that specializes in transporting people with disabilities.
“The Surrealist”
“It was really surreal to see the scale of the accident. I have never seen it”, Nirmesh Vadera, who was nearby shortly after the incident, narrated to AFP.
Several emergency vehicles, including two helicopters, were on site, according to the man, who works at a hotel-restaurant on the highway and was contacted by AFP by phone. Dozens of people have gathered at the scene.
At this junction between the Trans-Canada Highway and the provincial highway, about two hours from Winnipeg, Manitoba’s capital — a tractor-trailer was found lying on its side, and a short distance away a pickup truck caught fire. said again.
At noon (1700 GMT) heavy smoke was seen around the crash site.
“The news from Carberry, Manitoba is tragic,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Twitter. “My deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones today and those who were injured are in my thoughts. I can’t imagine the pain you are going through, but Canadians are here for you,” he added.
“Broken Heart”
“I am heartbroken to hear the news of the tragic accident near Carberry. My deepest condolences to all involved,” Manitoba Premier Heather Stephenson tweeted.
Police have asked motorists to avoid the area and allow emergency vehicles to pass through. Officials said the highway was cut off in both directions.
“There were people everywhere, some people seemed to be getting medical attention… the situation was very bad,” truck driver Josh Carson told Global News Television.
Manitoba Police are scheduled to hold a press conference at 4:30 p.m. (21:30 GMT).
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