Manitoba School Bus Rolls Over in Morning Collision
A routine school run turned into a serious incident Tuesday morning on a rural Manitoba highway when a bus filled with high-school students lost control and flipped, sending numerous young people and an adult to hospital for treatment. The crash happened amid slippery winter conditions that made travel treacherous.
Icy Roads and a Maneuver That Went Wrong
RCMP in the Swan River area say the bus, carrying about 14 students from the Sapotaweyak Cree Nation and the driver, was heading south on Highway 10 around 8:30 a.m. when it attempted to pass another vehicle. Police believe the road was slick with black ice at the time, causing the driver to lose grip and the vehicle to roll off the roadway and overturn before coming to rest upright in a snow-filled ditch.
Injuries and Emergency Response
Authorities confirmed that four people including three youths and one adult — suffered significant but non-life-threatening injuries and were airlifted to hospitals in Winnipeg for further care. In total, about 15 people were taken to Swan River’s health centre for evaluation and treatment following the crash, with first responders treating many on site before transport.
Emergency services from Shared Health and Prairie Mountain Health activated Code Orange alerts at hospitals to ensure appropriate resources were in place, and local schools and community leaders rallied to support families and students affected.
Community Leaders and Officials React
Chief Nelson Genaille of Sapotaweyak Cree Nation spoke about the ordeal, noting the frightening conditions and the widespread concern for the students’ wellbeing. Meanwhile, Swan Valley School Division officials joined health personnel in offering counselling and support for families during this stressful time.
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs issued a statement expressing solidarity with the community and gratitude for first responders, while noting they stand ready to assist as needed in the days ahead.
Investigation Continues as Safety Questions Loom
RCMP collision reconstruction experts have been deployed to the scene to gather evidence and better understand how the crash unfolded. Early findings point to icy surface conditions as a key factor, though investigators will review additional factors as part of the ongoing probe.
Officials have not yet released a full breakdown of crash causes, and road safety advocates say the incident underscores the hazards of travel on rural highways during winter and could revive discussions about enhanced bus safety measures.
