A woman from Grande Prairie died and nearly two dozen others suffered injuries after a bus rolled over in northwestern Alberta on Saturday night, according to police. CBC
A fatal highway crash in northwestern Alberta left one woman dead and sent 22 others to hospital late Saturday night after a charter bus rolled over, according to Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
The single-vehicle crash happened along Highway 43, just west of Debolt, a small community about 400 kilometres northwest of Edmonton. Police said road conditions likely played a role in the collision, though officers continue to investigate the cause.
Emergency Crews Respond Quickly
Police said the crash occurred shortly before 11:45 p.m. Mountain Time. Officers closed Highway 43 for “some time” to allow crash investigators to carefully examine the scene.
The bus carried 37 passengers, including adults and children. Investigators said the vehicle struck the highway’s median before rolling over once and coming to rest upright on its wheels.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene and began triage immediately.
Woman Dies at Scene
First responders pronounced a 50-year-old woman from Grande Prairie dead at the scene. Police did not release her name.
Paramedics transported six other passengers to hospital in serious condition. Police said they did not have updated information on their status as of Sunday afternoon.
Many Passengers Treated and Released
In addition to those with serious injuries, paramedics assessed many other passengers at the scene. Police called in a second bus to transport 16 people with minor injuries to hospital for further checks.
Medical staff later released those passengers after treatment.
Police said a total of 22 people required hospital care following the crash, though most returned home within hours.
Highway Reopens After Investigation
Investigators spent several hours examining the crash site overnight. They focused on the roadway, the bus’s path, and surrounding conditions.
Police reopened Highway 43 to all traffic Sunday morning once crews completed the investigation and cleared debris.
Ongoing Investigation
Police said the investigation remains active. Officers continue to review road conditions, vehicle factors, and other possible contributors to the crash.
Authorities urged drivers to remain cautious on Alberta highways, especially during winter conditions, when roads can change quickly.
Community Impact
The crash sent shockwaves through the region, particularly in Grande Prairie, where the victim lived. Fatal collisions involving buses remain rare, but incidents like this highlight the risks of winter travel in northern Alberta.
Police said they will release more details if new information becomes available.
