The City of Humboldt has set up a crisis centre in the Elgar Petersen Arena for people affected by the fatal bus crash involving the Humboldt Broncos.

“We’ve got crisis people here, we’re asking people that need to be with others or need support to come down to Jubilee Hall. We’ve got coffee set up here, and we’re trying to get together and get through this,” Mayor Rob Muench said.

Nipawin RCMP said in a news release they are on the scene of a serious collision on Highway 35 about 30 kilometres north of Tisdale near the junction of Highway 335.

The Humboldt Broncos team bus collided with a semi-trailer, though the RCMP haven’t said what caused the crash.

There have been injuries and deaths, but the RCMP have not confirmed how many.

When Muench first heard about the crash, he wasn’t sure how serious it would be.

Then he started looking on social media, and got a call from the mayor of Nipawin who told him things didn’t sound good.

“This is going to be a serious blow. The Broncos have been a big part of our community this year. In particular, we had a number of local kids on the team. Other years not as many, so I mean this is going to be not only impacting the team and the community and the fans but it's going to affect families from Humboldt and surrounding areas.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premier Scott Moe issued a Facebook statement saying: “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.”

Social media has seen an outpouring of support for the team and the Humboldt community.

People seeking information about their family members who may have been in the crash can call 306-752-8700, the Saskatchewan Health Authority says. 

Parents and family can also go to the Apostolic Church in Nipawin at 109 4th Ave East.

The RCMP investigation and rescue efforts continue.