Coach crash in Canada injures more than 50 people
Temperatures dropped to below freezing on Saturday as travellers were warned of “challenging” conditions
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.More than 50 people have been injured in a coach crash in the province of British Columbia, Canada on Christmas Eve.
At least 53 people were hospitalised following the incident in the city of Kelowna, around 160 miles (260km) from the provincial capital of Victoria.
Premier David Eby said he was “shocked and saddened” to hear of the “serious” incident.
He said: “Our thoughts are with those impacted by the crash, their loved ones, and the first responders and health-care workers giving their all to treat people and keep them safe.”
British Columbia’s health authority has issued a Code Orange in response to the incident, meaning services are responding to a disaster or mass casualties.
A highway in Kelowna has been closed since the incident with no estimated time of opening.
It is not yet known exactly what caused the crash and the conditions of those who have been hospitalised have not been disclosed by local health authorities.
Temperatures dropped to minus 3.9C in the area on Saturday and a special weather statement warned of “challenging” travel conditions due to heavy snow, ice pellets and freezing rain.
All railway services between Canada’s two biggest cities, Toronto and Montreal, were cancelled for Christmas Day after a train was derailed in poor weather conditions.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments