Post-crash recovery, life crippling, say Columbia Icefield victims
Posted Sep 30, 2020 1:19 pm.
Last Updated Oct 1, 2020 6:19 am.
JASPER (660 NEWS) – More than two months after a fatal bus crash in the Columbia Icefields, some of the victims are sharing how their injuries have dramatically altered their lives.
In July, a sightseeing truck rolled over on the Columbia Icefields near Jasper, killing three people and injuring more than 20 others, some with life-threatening injuries.
Last month, a class-action lawsuit was filed against the tour bus company, Pursuit, claiming it acted recklessly and unreasonably leading up to the crash.
“The defendants knew or ought to have known that there was a significant risk to the plaintiff and class members and that the accident was a reasonably foreseeable result of failing to take adequate measures to prevent such incidents,” a statement of claim reads.
“The accident was caused solely by the negligence, gross negligence, or intent of the defendants.”
None of the allegations have been proven in court.
WATCH: I saw it roll at least five times’: Witnesses recount deadly Columbia Icefield crash
Sweta Patel was a passenger on the bus when it rolled over. She suffered serious injuries and said her life has changed dramatically.
“I now live a completely dependent life, filled with a series of doctors and legal appointments. The recovery process has been slow and long. To this day, I do not know when me, my husband and my friends will recover, if we are even able to.”
Patel added she has had many surgeries since the crash happened.
Lawyer Basil Bansal, who is representing the victims in the lawsuit, read a statement from one of the passengers still recovering.
“I myself, have had multiple surgeries and as you can imagine, the recovery and dramatic changes to my everyday life leaves me crippled at times. My quality of life has been taken from me in what was a split second.”
The lawsuit is asking for compensation for the victims to cover medical bills and housing as some have had to find alternate living spaces.
–With files from The Canadian Press
