Miramichi hockey team involved in fatal bus highway collision on way to Fredericton game

A bus carrying players and staff with the Miramichi Timberwolves hockey team was involved in a fatal collision Sunday afternoon.

In a statement, the Maritime Junior Hockey League (MHL) confirmed the collision happened in Astle, N.B., while the team was on its way to a game in Fredericton.

RCMP Sgt. Andrew Griffiths told Global News that the collision between a vehicle and the bus occurred around 11:30 a.m. on Hwy 8.

Get daily National news

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.

Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

“The driver of the motor vehicle unfortunately succumbed to their injuries on scene,” he said.

“The investigation is ongoing and … the road will be closed for a little while yet.”

The team had posted on social media earlier in the day that the road game in Fredericton was postponed after an accident involving the bus, but that “everybody on the bus is okay.”

“Those on the bus sustained limited injuries and grief counsellors have been brought in. Further counselling and support will be offered, as requested,” the MHL statement reads.

“The Maritime Junior Hockey League (MHL) offers its condolences to the family of the victim of Sunday’s accident.”

— With a file from Travis Fortnum