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UPDATE:
4:58 p.m.: 25 people were on the Handi-Transit van from Dauphin and surrounding areas. The majority were seniors. 15 people were confirmed deceased. 10 were taken to hospitals. The Handi-Van was traveling south on Highway 5 from Dauphin and the Semi was traveling east on the Trans-Canada Highway.
Injuries sustained by those sent to hospitals include orthopedic and head injuries.
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According to Blake Robert, Communications Lead for STARS in Manitoba, STARS Air Ambulance sent two helicopters from both Regina and Winnipeg to the scene, just before noon. Robert says another eight medical crew were deployed to the scene, for a total of fourteen. Multiple media outlets are reporting that the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg is in 'Code Orange', which means the facility is preparing for a 'mass-casualty event'. Multiple reports have come in from people in the area that there have been multiple fatalities, but this has not yet been confirmed.
PortageOnline has learned, in addition to some people being taken to Winnipeg, Brandon Fire and Emergency Services have responded and some patients are being transported to Brandon Regional Health Centre. A witness to the event said they saw "many" police vehicles and multiple ambulances at the scene. It's believed the crash between the semi-truck and a Handi-Transit vehicle happened just before 12 p.m.
Shared Health has released a statement confirming a 'mass casualty response is underway'.
RCMP will be providing a media availability later this afternoon and will issue an advisory soon.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Both eastbound and westbound lanes of Highway 1 at Highway 5 were closed Thursday afternoon after a motor vehicle collision involving a semi-truck north of Carberry.
Emergency services were on scene with STARS Air Ambulance being called in, as well. There are no confirmed reports in regards to injuries or how many people were involved in the crash.
We will provide more information as it becomes available.
