''Fifteen people have been confirmed dead after a crash between a semi-trailer truck and a bus full of seniors headed to a casino in the southwestern Manitoba town of Carberry on Thursday, the commanding officer of the province's RCMP said at a news conference.
Rob Hill said the bus that collided with the semi was carrying about 25 people from in and around the western Manitoba city of Dauphin, most of whom were seniors.
Ten of them were taken to hospital with injuries, but Hill said the number of casualties may continue to change into the evening.
"Sadly this is a day in Manitoba and across Canada that will be remembered as one of tragedy and incredible sadness," Hill said, adding many people in the Dauphin area are still waiting for news about their loved ones.
"To all those waiting, I can't imagine how difficult it is not knowing if the person you love the most will be making it home tonight. I'm so sorry we cannot get you the definitive answers you need more quickly."