The mom and daughter involved in a collision with a bus in northeast Edmonton Wednesday morning have been identified as Mary Noah, 33, and Adassa Craig, 9.
The collision happened between Edmonton and Fort Saskatchewan on Manning Drive, which turns into Highway 15 beyond the city limits.
READ MORE: Child in critical condition after car, bus collide in northeast Edmonton
Noah and Craig were driving north on Manning Drive in 2005 Honda Civic, when the driver lost control of the car and crossed into oncoming traffic, hitting a southbound Diversified transport bus.
Both mom and daughter were taken to hospital: Mary Noah suffered non-life-threatening injuries, but her daughter was left in critical condition.
Patricia Caldwell, who identified the pair to Global News, says she is a close friend of Mary Noah and thinks of Adassa Craig as her niece. She said Noah was treated and released from hospital with minor injuries, including a brace on her right leg.
“However, Adassa is having a more challenging time and she remains in a coma,” she and another close friend, Debbie Bermudez, co-wrote in an email.
They said the child had brain surgery within hours of the crash and according to staff at the Stollery Children’s Hospital, it went well.
They said a scan Friday showed some swelling on the right side of the child’s brain, adding there was “a light of hope as the left side of her brain is clear and stable.”
“This is every parent’s worst nightmare — to see your young child in critical condition and fighting to live. Adassa is surrounded by love from mom, dad, baby brother, and other family and friends.
“Adassa has an infectious smile and she loves playing the piano, acting, dancing and singing. Like most nine-year-old girls, she enjoys sleepovers and spending time with her French- and English-speaking friends.”
Caldwell said her friend has taken time off from her teaching job to be at her daughter’s side in hospital. A GoFundMe page has been set up with the family’s permission, with a goal of $75,000 going towards long-term medical care and monthly expenses.
Police said there were four people on the bus and none of them suffered any injuries. Investigators do not believe speed or alcohol were factors in the crash.
Roads in the Edmonton region were slick and snow-covered Wednesday morning. Police have not said if conditions played a role in the crash.