Manitoba officials have released names and details of the 16 Dauphin residents who lost their lives in a devastating bus crash one week ago.
RCMP Supt. Jeff Asmundson, Dauphin Mayor David Bosiak, RM of Dauphin Reeve Ernie Sirski, and Premier Heather Stefanson were in attendance at a Thursday afternoon press conference, along with first responders who were at the scene of the crash.
“We lost 16 people who were mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, grandparents, whose decades of contributions helped make this community what it is,” said Asmundson.
“They were gone in an instant. And nine more remain in hospital with serious injuries being tended to by dedicated health care professionals.
“Hearts are broken, families are grieving, a community is feeling immeasurable loss.”
The 16 victims announced by RCMP are: Louis Bretecher, 81; Margaret Furkalo, 82; Vangie Gilchrist, 83; Ann Hill, 81; Helen Kufley, 88; Arlene Lindquist, 68; Dianne Medwid, 70; Nettie Nakonechny, 87; Shirley Novalkowski, 76; Frank Perzylo, 82; Rose Perzylo, 80; Jean Rosenkranz, 82; Donna Showdra, 79; Lillian Stobbe, 73; Patsy Zamrykut, 88; and Claudia Zurba, 87.
Dauphin’s mayor and the municipality’s reeve both took the opportunity to commend emergency responders and medical personnel for their dedication to helping those at the crash scene as well as those who remain in hospital.
A spokesperson for Shared Health said Thursday morning that of the nine patients who remain in hospital following the tragic collision, four are still in critical condition.
Mayor Bosiak described the community as “resilient” and acknowledged there’s a tough road ahead.
“I’ve heard countless stories of how friends and neighbours have reached out to comfort and help each other… and we aren’t alone, there’s been an overwhelming outpouring of support from across Canada and beyond,” he said.
“The next few days weeks and months will be difficult. We’ve lost a tremendous amount of our friends, our families and our neighbours.
“I know we are hurting, but we are resilient, we are strong… Dauphin strong.”
Police continue to investigate the circumstances behind the fatal incident, which involved a collision on the Trans-Canada Highway between a semi-trailer and a group of seniors from the Dauphin area on a bus trip. Police have said it could take months before the public gets any definitive answers.
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