Three people have tragically lost their lives after a head-on collision involving a transit bus in Welland, Ontario.
The incident occurred on Wednesday evening at the intersection of East Main Street and Southworth Street. According to Niagara Regional Police, the transit bus was traveling eastbound on East Main Street when it collided with a westbound vehicle.
The driver of the westbound vehicle, a 35-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene. Two passengers on the transit bus, a 57-year-old woman and a 63-year-old man, were also pronounced dead at the scene.
The remaining passengers on the transit bus were transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the transit bus was also taken to the hospital for treatment.
The identities of the victims have not been released at this time, pending notification of next of kin.
The intersection was closed for several hours as police investigated the scene. The cause of the collision is still under investigation.
In a statement, Niagara Regional Police Const. Phil Gavin expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
“Our thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives in this tragic collision,” Gavin said. “We are asking anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has any information to contact us.”
The transit bus involved in the collision is operated by Niagara Region Transit, which provides public transportation services in the Niagara region. In a statement, the company expressed their sadness over the incident and said they are cooperating with the police investigation.
“Our hearts go out to the families of those who lost their lives in this terrible accident,” the statement read. “We are fully cooperating with the police investigation and will provide any assistance needed.”
The investigation into the collision is ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact Niagara Regional Police at 905-688-4111 ext. 5500.
