Winnipeg/IBNS: At least 15 people were killed in a crash between a semi-trailer truck and a Handi-Transit vehicle near Carberry town in Canada's southwestern Manitoba on Wednesday.

Emergency crews and multiple air ambulances responded to the crash on Trans-Canada Highway near Carberry, including 14 critical care medical crew, two helicopters and two planes from the STARS (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service) air ambulance service.

"RCMP units from across western Manitoba are on scene to assist along with other first responders," a statement from Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) read, adding its Major Crimes Services is now investigating the crash.

A code orange has been declared by Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg prompted by this mass casualty incident.

"Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg as well as hospitals in Prairie Mountain Health and the Winnipeg Health Region are prepared to receive patients related to this event, and/or patients relocated in order to create capacity at Manitoba’s tertiary centre," a statement from Shared Health reads.

"Response teams are at the scene and transporting patients and emergency department, surgical and critical care teams at HSC and Brandon Regional Health Centre (BRHC) are prepared to support the care needs of incoming patients."

Premier Heather Stefanson issued a statement Thursday afternoon, praising first responders and offering condolences to people impacted by the crash.

“Our hearts are broken, and our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of all the lives impacted by the horrific and devastating tragedy near the Town of Carberry,” the premier said in a written statement,

The flags at Manitoba’s legislature, Stefanson said building will be lowered to half-mast out of respect to the victims.

Ray Muirhead, the Mayor of Carberry, said the town council is in shock and added,

“Our thoughts are in support of anyone that has been impacted by this tragic event,” he said in a written statement.

People were asked by Muirhead to stay away from the area to allow first responders to work.

While the eastbound lanes of the Trans-Canada highway at highway 5 remain reportedly closed with a detour in effect using service roads,
the westbound lanes of the Trans-Canada Highway at Highway 5 are open.

(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)