Number of deaths and fatal crashes on Manitoba roadways up significantly in 2023

2023 has been a much deadlier year on Manitoba roadways than 2022.

Manitoba RCMP released some stats for the first half of the year which show the number of fatalities on provincial highways has increased. Media relations officer Tara Seel says the numbers are shocking.

"We're at 62 deaths in 42 fatal collisions as of June 25th, 2023. At this time last year, we were at 34 deaths," says Seel. "Obviously, the recent collision at Carberry accounts for a significant number of those, but regardless, we're still above average and we were above last year."

Number of deaths and fatal crashes on Manitoba roadways up significantly in 2023

2023 has been a much deadlier year on Manitoba roadways than 2022.

Manitoba RCMP released some stats for the first half of the year which show the number of fatalities on provincial highways has increased. Media relations officer Tara Seel says the numbers are shocking.

"We're at 62 deaths in 42 fatal collisions as of June 25th, 2023. At this time last year, we were at 34 deaths," says Seel. "Obviously, the recent collision at Carberry accounts for a significant number of those, but regardless, we're still above average and we were above last year."

UPDATE - 15 dead, 10 taken to hospital after semi-truck and handi-transit van collision near Carberry

UPDATE #3:

At 11:40am today, RCMP responded to a mass casualty collision between a semi-trailer & bus. At this time, there are 15 fatalities & 10 people taken to hospital with various injuries. Major Crime Services is investigating & on scene.

The semi-trailer was heading eastbound on Hwy1 & the bus, carrying senior citizens from Dauphin, was headed southbound on Hwy5. The bus had already crossed the westbound lanes of Hwy 1 & was crossing the eastbound lanes when it was struck by the semi. 

Lisa Tessier-Burch proud to represent NDP in Portage-Lisgar by-election

When a current NDP member of parliament suggested now is a good time for a Portage la Prairie woman to put her name in the hat of politics, she jumped at the chance.

Lisa Tessier-Burch says she was approached by her friend Niki Ashton, the MP for Churchill-Keewatinook Aski. Tessier-Burch is grateful for the support she has received so far.

Maxime Bernier will run in the Portage-Lisgar by-election

The spotlight will be on the constituency of Portage-Lisgar as the leader of the People's Party of Canada (PPC) has announced he will be running in the upcoming by-election.

Maxime Bernier announced to his supporters in Portage la Prairie late Friday morning, saying he would be focused on family values. After making his announcement, he asked if he had plans to move here if he were to win.

"Absolutely. I had couple of discussions with my wife, and I believe that she's on my side on that!"

Maxime Bernier will run in the Portage-Lisgar by-election

The spotlight will be on the constituency of Portage-Lisgar as the leader of the People's Party of Canada has announced he will be running in the upcoming by-election.

Maxime Bernier announced to his supporters in Portage la Prairie late Friday morning, saying he would be focused on family values. After making his announcement, he was asked if he had plans to move there if he were to win.

"Absolutely. I had a couple of discussions with my wife, and I believe that she's on my side on that."

RCMP Crime Prevention Tips: Tip #1 - Keeping your property lit

The Portage la Prairie RCMP has released their first tip to try and help prevent crime in the community.

Inspector Paul Peddle says it starts with making sure your property is well-lit -- especially if you're going on vacation.

"It's extremely important to have exterior lighting on the homes, things that can make your home visible when you're away. We find a lot of the times the homes in the area are left dark when people leave."

He says they deal with many crimes where a lack of lighting has made things easier for criminals.

CAA seeing 3-4 times the amount of calls as Mother Nature wreaks havoc on car batteries

CAA Manitoba has been busier than ever over this cold snap as many people around the province have forgotten to plug in their vehicle.

Spokesperson Nadia Matos says they are used to seeing about 350 calls per day. After the extreme cold hit, they received 398 calls on Friday, 483 on Saturday, 608 on Sunday, and 1489 on Monday. Most of the calls are due to battery-related issues.

Estimated $7 million in damages due to reported arson in Rosser

Headingley RCMP continue to investigate an arson that took place earlier this month in the RM of Rosser.

Police were called to a business on Goldenrod Drive in the RM on January 20th at 8:30 a.m. Multiple semi-trailers were engulfed in flames.

Through the help of the local fire department and the Office of the Fire Commissioner, the cause of the fire was determined to be arson. The damage has been estimated to be around $7 million by the business.

First Ag Days in three years wraps in Brandon

After three years of waiting, Manitoba Ag Days finally returned, and it was clear it was an event producers from all over were waiting for.

General Manager for the event, Kristen Phillips, says the first two days were above-average in terms of attendance, and they were very excited for the third. Although they do not have specific numbers yet, it's been a tremendous success.

"Oh my goodness, it's been wonderful. The show has been packed. The exhibitors are so happy. Patrons are happy. The speakers have been incredible. We couldn't have asked for more."