Humboldt BroncosCanadian Police have confirmed 14 people were killed as a lorry collided into a bus carrying a junior ice hockey team late on Friday evening.
The Humboldt Broncos were traveling through Saskatchewan on Highway 35, just north of Tisdale, when the tragic incident occured.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police say 28 people were on the bus, 14 of who were killed, including the driver.
Three people are in critical condition in hospital while everyone else has also been taken to hospital as a precaution.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted:
I cannot imagine what these parents are going through, and my heart goes out to everyone affected by this terrible tragedy, in the Humboldt community and beyond. https://t.co/2cIn2CTy08
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) April 7, 2018
The crash occurred around 5pm local time, which would be around 11pm in the UK.
The Humboldt Broncos play in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League and were en-route to a play off game against the Nipawin Hawks when tragedy struck.
Their team were entirely made up of between 16 and 21-year-old players.
The entire hockey community and further afield have been posting their condolences on social media since hearing of the crash:
Humboldt Broncos weighing heavy in our hearts and minds tonight. #PrayersForHumboldt
— SC Broncos (@SCBroncos) April 7, 2018
The LA Kings are thinking of the Humboldt Broncos and their families ❤️
— LA Kings (@LAKings) April 7, 2018
The #Flames send their thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by the collision involving the Humboldt Broncos team bus.
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) April 7, 2018
There are no words right now. My family and I are praying for all those affected by the Humboldt Broncos tragedy.
— Ryan Smyth (@RealSmytty94) April 7, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Humboldt Broncos organization and the families impacted by today's tragic news.
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) April 7, 2018
The thoughts and prayers of the #NHLJets and all our fans are with the SJHL’s Humboldt Broncos, their players, staff, families and friends.
— X – Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) April 7, 2018
Horrific news out of @theSJHL tonight, please keep the players, staff, and fans of the Humboldt Broncos in your thoughts and prayers tonight.
— Red Deer Rebels (@Rebelshockey) April 7, 2018
Ted Munro, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police inspector, said rescue efforts are ongoing and an information and support centre for the families had been set up at Nipawin Apostolic Church.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families tonight.
One player’s father, Myles Shumlanski, turned up at the scene after receiving a frightening call from his son.
He said:
It was a disaster. We had a crane lifting the bus.
Team president Kevin Granger also released a statement saying:
Our thoughts and prayers are extended to the families of our staff and athletes as well as to all who have been impacted by this horrible tragedy.
Our Broncos family is in shock as we try to come to grips with our incredible loss.
Currently, some family members are still waiting to hear whether their relatives are OK.
What an absolutely awful incident and our thoughts go out to all those affected.
Taking the idea of ‘being woke’ to a whole new level over a decade-long career in sport, court and online news, George has worked for titles and agencies including ESPN FC, Eurosport, LADbible and Court News UK. He may not have a degree but does have an unhealthy obsession with Lord of the Rings.