A Saskatchewan community and people across the country are in mourning after 15 lives were lost in a tragic crash involving a junior hockey team bus.
The bus, carrying members of the Humboldt Broncos hockey team, was involved in a collision with a transport truck Friday afternoon while the team was en route to a game in the community of Nipawin.
“Our thoughts and prayers are extended to the families of our staff and athletes as well as to all who have been impacted by this horrible tragedy," Broncos president Kevin Garinger said in a statement released after the collision. "Our Broncos family is in shock as we try to come to grips with our incredible loss.”
There were 14 confirmed deaths as of Saturday morning, though the death toll was raised to 15 late in the afternoon.
The team's captain, head coach and their play-by-play announcer are confirmed among the dead, according to the RCMP in Saskatchewan.
In the wake of the tragedy, several NHL players and teams took to social media to express condolences.
Our hearts are heavy this morning. The Boston Bruins send our thoughts and deepest condolences to the Humboldt Broncos, their families, and the entire Humboldt community.
The hockey world is with you during this difficult time.— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) April 7, 2018
Please take a moment today and pray for the families of the Humboldt Broncos... Very sad day #HockeyFamily
— Matthew Tkachuk (@TKACHUKycheese_) April 7, 2018
Thoughts are back in Sask tonight with the Humboldt Broncos and their families. Terrible tragedy.
— morgan rielly (@mriles4) April 7, 2018
https://twitter.com/MapleLeafs/status/982449923093401600
Our thoughts, prayers, and condolences go out to the Humboldt Broncos and the families of those affected at this difficult time. The Canadiens and the entire hockey community grieves with you.
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) April 7, 2018
https://twitter.com/DetroitRedWings/status/982757401513353221