A Canadian flag flies at half-mast at a truck stop in Brandon, Man., on Friday, June 16, 2023, to honour the victims of a bus crash in Carberry, on the Trans-Canada Highway west of Winnipeg. Health authorities say six of 10 seniors who survived a bus crash in southern Manitoba that killed 15 others were listed in critical condition in hospital. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

DAUPHIN, MAN. - Health authorities say six of 10 seniors who survived a bus crash in southern Manitoba that killed 15 others were listed in critical condition in hospital.

They were among a group of seniors from Dauphin, Man., on a day trip to a casino when their minibus crashed with a semi while crossing the Trans-Canada Highway.

Here is some of Friday's reaction:

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"I know that all of Canadians stand with people during this very, very difficult time. There are lots of questions, but mostly there are lots of tears right now and we will be there for each other." — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

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“You plan for this but you hope to not experience it, so it’s been a blur of stuff going on. It’s been an unending flurry of activity. Everyone’s on the same page and we’re connecting. We’ve received tremendous support.” — Dauphin, Man., Mayor David Bosiak.

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“This is an elderly cohort of patients, so recoveries will be long and, of course, can be complicated." — Dr. Shawn Young, chief operating officer of Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg.

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"We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to families and friends of our beloved clients and to our community as we work through this heart-wrenching situation." Quality Care Transit, which operated minibus involved in crash.

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“The Boulet family is absolutely gutted as news came out about the tragedy in Carberry that stole the lives of 15 beautiful people. Though comparisons between the Carberry tragedy and the Humboldt tragedy exist, our family is focused on lives of so many that are now without a loved one due to the Carberry tragedy. Pain is real. Grieving is real. Please reach out and ask for help as people are there for you," — Toby and Bernie Boulet, whose son Logan was among those killed in the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash.

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"It’s a number of things happening when you are probably least prepared for it, when you are trying to comprehend what really has happened and how it’s going to affect your community. You are doing this all at a time when people are grieving and trying to sort out their feelings of what has happened." — former Humboldt, Sask., mayor Rob Muench.

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"My heart is with those who lost a loved one in the collision near Carberry yesterday. The Labour Department is investigating. We do this when a federally regulated employer is involved. Their findings may help determine what happened and what might have been prevented." — federal Labour Minister Seamus O'Regan

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"I continue to monitor and support all those doing everything they can to aid our fellow Manitobans. I salute all our first responders, the police, firefighters, paramedics, STARS, doctors and nurses who always play such a critical role when devastating situations occur." — Manitoba Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Scott Johnston.

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"In the coming days, we will be in touch with the families and communities that have been affected by this horrible event, ensuring they have what they need as they grapple with their pain. The loss of elders, and their love, knowledge and guidance, is heartbreaking, and we know this will be felt by many in the northwest region, beyond their immediate families." — Manitoba Métis Federation president David Chartrand and northwest region vice-president Frances Chartrand.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 16, 2023.

News from © The Canadian Press, 2023