14 people killed in bus-tractor collision in Canada

Ottawa [Canada], Apr 7 (ANI): 14 people were killed when a bus carrying a junior league hockey team and a tractor-trailer collided with each other on Friday night in western Canada's Saskatchewan province, Royal Canadian Mounted Police said.

The bus, carrying team members of the Humboldt Broncos, were heading towards Nipawin town for a Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League semifinals playoff game when the crash happened north of Tisdale city.

The police officials of RCMP said in a statement that 14 others were injured and were taken to a local hospital, adding that three of them were in critical condition, CNN reported.

They further said that 28 people, including the driver, were on the bus at the time of the incident.

Local authorities are yet to identify the victims. It is to be noted that players who are aged between 16 to 20 participate in the junior league hockey team.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took to his Twitter handle to express his condolences and wrote, "I cannot imagine what these parents are going through, and my heart goes out to everyone affected by this terrible tragedy, in the Humboldt community and beyond."

Humboldt Broncos team's president, Kevin Garinger said in a statement, "Our thoughts and prayers are extended to the families of our staff and athletes as well as to all who have been impacted by this horrible tragedy. Our Broncos family is in shock as we try to come to grips with our incredible loss."

The RCMP said that a gathering place was established for families at Nipawin Apostolic Church in Nipawin town to obtain information on their "loved ones".

The Humboldt team was scheduled to play the Nipawin Hawks in the fifth game of a best-of-seven semifinal playoff series on Friday.

The two teams played on Wednesday and Nipawin won 6-5 in three overtimes in Humboldt, leaving Nipawin with a 3-1 series lead. (ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI