Saskatchewan RCMP have confirmed a tractor-trailer was in the intersection but didn’t say if it was in motion or stopped when a deadly collision happened between the semi-trailer and the Humboldt Broncos team bus.
The crash at the intersection of highways 35 and 335 in eastern Saskatchewan on April 6 left 16 people, including players, coaching staff, a play-by-play broadcast, a statistician and an athletic therapist, dead and 13 injured.
The driver of the semi was not hurt.
RCMP Asst. Commissioner Curtis Zablocki said investigators are still trying to determine why the tractor-trailer was in the intersection.
“We know the road conditions were clear and the sun was shining at the time of the collision,” Zablocki said.
WATCH: Police in Saskatchewan close roads at Humboldt Broncos crash site for additional investigation
“The investigation is still in the evidence recovery and collection stage,” which Zablocki said includes human factors and the mechanical condition of both vehicles.
The major crimes unit is heading up the investigation due to its complexity and scope, but Zablocki said it is too early to say if any criminal charges will be laid.
“No charges have been laid in relation to this collision. There is still a lot of work to be done interpreting and analyzing all of the information gathered,” he said.
FULL COVERAGE: Humboldt Broncos Bus Tragedy
Zablocki confirmed the initial investigation into the mechanical condition of the semi and the bus is complete and they are waiting for the results, and the engine control modules have been sent to California to be analyzed.
“Complex collision reconstruction investigations take time and are often measured in weeks and months rather than days.”
WATCH BELOW: RCMP say it is too early to determine why truck involved in Humboldt Broncos crash was in the intersection
RCMP have closed the intersection at highways 35 and 335 south of Nipawin until 6 p.m. CT Thursday to allow for additional scene testing and analysis by the forensic collision reconstruction team.
Police said roads in the area will be barricaded and there will be no access to the memorial site.
WATCH BELOW: RCMP will not speculate on timeline to complete Humboldt crash investigation
Investigators are using vehicles similar to those involved in the crash to take further measurements and analyze sight lines.
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