Source:
https://scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/2140861/tiny-canadian-town-humboldt-mourns-15-junior-ice
World/ United States & Canada

Tiny Canadian town of Humboldt mourns 15 junior ice hockey players killed in bus crash

Nearly 3,000 people – half of the local population – attended a vigil at the Humboldt Broncos’ arena

Nearly 3,000 people – half of the local population – attended a vigil at the Humboldt Broncos’ arena

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joined religious and community leaders at an emotional vigil to honour the 15 members of a junior ice hockey team killed in a bus crash that shocked the hockey-loving nation.

Hundreds of people including National Hockey League (NHL) players attended the vigil at the Elgar Petersen Arena, home of the Humboldt Broncos club at the centre of one of the worst disasters to hit Canada’s sporting community.

“We’re here behind you. We will be here for you,” Rob Muench, mayor of the small farming town of Humboldt in Saskatchewan province, told the gathering.

“We will get through this.”

Fourteen other members of the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team were injured in the accident, which occurred as the team was travelling to a league playoff game in the town of Nipawin, about 200km (125 miles) northeast of Humboldt, on Friday.

The bus collided with a semi-trailer truck. Canadian police are looking into road, weather and vehicle conditions.

Police said a collision late Friday between a transport truck and a bus carrying players, coaches and team personnel of the junior hockey team claimed 15 lives and left the other 14 people on the bus injured, some critically. Photo: AP
Police said a collision late Friday between a transport truck and a bus carrying players, coaches and team personnel of the junior hockey team claimed 15 lives and left the other 14 people on the bus injured, some critically. Photo: AP

One minute silence was observed at the time when the playoff was scheduled on Sunday evening.

“Today and for every day forward we are all humble Broncos and we will be forever humble Broncos strong,” Broncos President Kevin Geringer told the members attending the vigil.

For the prairies community of Humboldt, population about 6,000, ice hockey is a sport that unifies the town and gives it its identity, bringing home two national championships.

Flowers lie at centre ice as people gather for a vigil at the Elgar Petersen Arena, home of the Humboldt Broncos, to honour the victims of the fatal bus accident. Photo: AFP
Flowers lie at centre ice as people gather for a vigil at the Elgar Petersen Arena, home of the Humboldt Broncos, to honour the victims of the fatal bus accident. Photo: AFP

Townspeople and team supporters gathered at the local Uniplex sports and education complex to comfort each other. An online fundraising initiative to help the victims’ families has raised C$3.7 million (US$2.9 million).

Rob Eichorst, the team’s governor, said Sunday’s interdenominational vigil was organised by local religious leaders “for healing of the community, the hockey team, the province, the country.”

“There’s no playbook on how to handle this,” Eichorst said.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attends the vigil. Photo: AFP
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attends the vigil. Photo: AFP

“People are bringing food … We’ve got multinational companies helping us, we’ve got national companies offering stuff. The support is overwhelming and truly appreciated.”

He estimated 300 to 400 people had gathered at the complex on Friday evening. Grief counsellors were on hand and the Red Cross was providing support to players’ families as well as the families who billet players.