A somber gathering was held in western Manitoba on Sunday to commemorate the 17 lives lost in a tragic bus crash that occurred one year ago.
Family members, friends, and community members came together at the site of the crash near the town of Virden to honor the victims and pay their respects.
The crash, which took place on April 6, 2020, involved a bus carrying the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team. The team was on their way to a playoff game when the bus collided with a semi-trailer truck.
The accident claimed the lives of 16 people on the bus, including players, coaches, and staff members, and the truck driver. Thirteen others were injured, some with life-altering injuries.
At the gathering, a moment of silence was observed at 4:50 p.m., the exact time of the crash. The names of the victims were read aloud, followed by a performance of “Amazing Grace” by a local musician.
The event also included speeches from community leaders and loved ones of the victims, who shared memories and stories of those who were lost.
One of the speakers, Chris Joseph, whose son Jaxon was among the victims, spoke about the impact of the tragedy on the families and the community.
“We’ve all been through a lot this past year, and it’s been tough. But we’ve also seen the strength and resilience of this community,” Joseph said.
The gathering was organized by the Broncos Memorial Committee, a group of community members who have been working to create a permanent memorial at the crash site.
The committee has raised over $200,000 for the memorial, which will include a monument and a garden. They hope to have it completed by the end of this year.
The tragic bus crash has had a profound effect on the entire country, with people from all over Canada and beyond showing their support and solidarity for the victims and their families.
As we remember the lives lost in this heartbreaking accident, let us also honor their memory by continuing to support and uplift one another in times of need.
