14 dead, 15 injured in horrific Canadian junior hockey team bus crash

The Humboldt Broncos’ team bus crashed Friday with 29 people on board.

A bus carrying the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team crashed Friday in Saskatchewan, Canada, according to a statement from the team. The bus had 29 people on board, including the driver. According to Canadian authorities, 14 people were killed and 15 were injured. Head coach Darcy Haugen and team captain Logan Schatz were among the fatalities, according to Huffington Post Canada. The bus had collided with a truck while en route to a playoff game in the city of Nipawin.

In the team’s statement, general manager Kevin Garinger confirmed multiple fatalies. “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,” he said. “Our Broncos family is in shock as we try to come to grips with our incredible loss.”

The Broncos play in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League in western Canada. A review of the team’s roster indicates that most players are ages 19 and 20.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Saskatchewan report that the crash occurred at roughly 5 p.m. local time on Highway 35. Humboldt is roughly 200 kilometers — or 120 miles — from Nipawin. Based on a map of the area and the RCMP’s report, the crash would have happened toward the end of the trip.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and several pro sports teams shared condolences on Twitter.

And during a press conference on Saturday, Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock, who grew up in Saskatchewan, held back tears as he talked about the tragedy.

Correction: Canadian police originally reported 14 people were injured. It was later corrected to 15.