Two UVic students killed in Vancouver Island bus rollover
Posted Sep 14, 2019 4:31 am.
Last Updated Sep 14, 2019 7:33 pm.
PORT ALBERNI (NEWS 1130) – Two University of Victoria students haved passed away after the bus they were riding in rolled over on Vancouver Island Friday night.
A total of 40 people were on the bus, which was on it’s way to the Bamfield Marine Science Centre when it rolled over around 10 p.m. on a gravel road between Port Alberni and Bamfield.
UVic released a statement to let staff and students know about the loss of one of their own.
“It is with profound sadness and deep regret that I inform you that two students have passed away as a result of a bus crash mid-Island on the way to the Bamfield Marine Science Centre,” says the statement, written by University of Victoria President Jamie Cassels.
“Our heartfelt thoughts go out to the students’ families and loved ones, to whom we offer our sincerest condolences. We also grieve with those closest to these members of our campus community, including roommates, friends, classmates and professors who were in contact with them during their time on campus.”
The school is not identifying the students at this time. Counselling services are being made avaliable for grieving staff and students.
It’s believed the two students were killed at the scene of the crash. Another three people were airlifted to hospital in Victoria, where they remain in critical or serious condition according to the Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre in Victoria.
Police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and search and rescue crews were all called to the scene of the crash. The Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre said it sent two Cormorant helicopters and one Buffalo search and rescue aircraft.
The remaining people were either not hurt or treated at the scene for minor injuries before being taken to a reception centre in Port Alberni.
“17 patients taken to hospital, including 2 in critical, 1 in serious and 14 others stable condition. Approx 30 more transported from the scene by bus,” BC Emergency Health Services tweeted.
The cause of the crash is under investigation by the RCMP.
The company that operated the bus issued a statement Saturday.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE_John Wilson Statement
