Manitoba RCMP say semi-truck had right of way at time of deadly Trans-Canada Highway crash

Manitoba RCMP say they have obtained video footage of the deadly crash between a semi-truck and bus on the Trans-Canada Highway on Thursday that killed 15 people and sent 10 people to hospital, saying the semi-truck had the right of way at the time of the crash.

Manitoba RCMP say they have obtained video footage of the deadly crash between a semi-truck and bus on the Trans-Canada Highway on Thursday that killed 15 people and sent 10 people to hospital, saying the semi-truck had the right of way at the time of the crash.

Superintendent Rob Lasson with the RCMP’s Major Crimes section provided an update to the investigation on Friday, saying they obtained video footage from the semi-truck trailer of the crash, which occurred shortly around noon at the intersection of the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 5.

“This video indicates that the bus entered the roadway where the semi trailer truck had the right of way,” Lasson said. “Extensive analysis is being done on the video before any further determinations are made.”

Lasson said RCMP have seized the bus and the semi-truck, with both being secured, and additional analysis of the vehicles will take place.

“We’re determining whether the semi had an event data recorder that will help us ascertain a number of critical pieces of information, such as speed, exact coordinates and the mechanical status of the vehicle,” he said.

Lasson said RCMP have interviewed passing motorists, whose statements they say corroborate what officers saw on the video.

“We are not assigning culpability or laying any blame at this time,” he said. “We are merely stating the facts as we know them. The investigation is still ongoing with a lots of work to do to in order to obtain a 100 per cent responsibility.”