Thhe Humboldt Broncos were on their way to Nipawin for Game 5 of its SJHL semifinal series | 'You are in Saskatchewan's hearts': Deaths confirmed in junior hockey team bus crashhttps://t.co/Fv5jotTenj pic.twitter.com/1YusMNM4vm
— Matthew Black (@TheMatthewBlack) April 7, 2018
The Humboldt Broncos team bus was involved in a massive accident on Friday evening. The team was traveling to play in a playoff game when it collided with a transport truck on a rural highway.
The Humboldt Broncos, a junior hockey team from Saskatchewan, Canada, were involved in a horrible bus as they were traveling to their next playoff game. The team is part of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League which is open to players 20 years of age or younger.
RCMP now confirming that of the 28 people aboard the bus, 14 have died. The other 14 have been sent to hospital, 3 in critical condition.
— Pat McKay (@PatMckayCTV) April 7, 2018
RCMP have confirmed that there are fatalities and multiple injuries. https://t.co/zrS7HuIh2v
— Globalnews.ca (@globalnews) April 7, 2018
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police confirmed that there were 28 people on the bus with 14 fatalities, 14 hospitalizations and three left in critical condition. Three air ambulance helicopters were dispatched to the scene and arrived around 6:40 p.m. local time, a spokesperson from STARS Ambulance told CTV News.
The team was traveling to play the Nipawin Hawks in an SJHL playoff game. The Hawks tweeted that the game was canceled following the news.
The Nipawin Hawks just confirmed that tonight's SJHL game is cancelled. Please keep the Humboldt Broncos team in your prayers. pic.twitter.com/KIA128I94O
— Dan Ukrainetz (@Dan_Uk1) April 7, 2018
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said he found the news “difficult to comprehend.” In a statement put out on his Facebook account, Moe wrote,
“Words can not describe the loss that we feel tonight. The news I have heard is difficult to comprehend. Our province has always been one community. At our core, we are one small town, neighbours, friends and families.To the City of Humboldt, the entire Broncos organization, and the families impacted by this tragedy, please know you are in Saskatchewan’s hearts.From a grieving province, thank you to every one of the first responders and medical professionals for your courageous response under the most difficult circumstances imaginable.
Tonight, we all must pray for these families.”
Prayers and support were written throughout social media over last evening through Saturday morning.
Support for the team came from all different trams throughout the hockey world.
#PrayersForHumboldt @HumboldtBroncos pic.twitter.com/6S4CZHk1Ap
— VisuallyBetter (@Isuckatpicking) April 7, 2018
Stars head coach Ken Hitchcock opened his postgame interview with a message to the @HumboldtBroncos and those affected. pic.twitter.com/0LS2IOwnAV
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) April 7, 2018
Our #NYR family sends thoughts and prayers to the @HumboldtBroncos and their families.
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) April 7, 2018
We send condolence, comfort and strength to all affected by the devastating crash involving the Humboldt Broncos’ team bus. pic.twitter.com/VScEay6sZv
— NHL (@NHL) April 7, 2018
We are shocked and saddened over the tragic news of the accident involving the Humboldt Broncos.
We extend our deepest sympathies to the Broncos organization, the families, the friends, the fans and entire Humboldt community. #PrayersForHumboldt https://t.co/Skv6ylria8 pic.twitter.com/F8ElWijpUr
— Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) April 7, 2018
The first picture of team players was released early Saturday morning.
Derek Grayson and Nick bonding and healing in hospital pic.twitter.com/DzesIoT27B
— R J patter (@rjpatter) April 7, 2018
ESNY will update this story as more information becomes available.