Multiple injuries after bus carrying minor swim team collides with heavy truck in Quebec

Several people, including minors on a swim team, were injured and transported to hospital following a collision between a passenger bus and a heavy truck on Highway 117 in Mont-Laurier, Que., Thursday afternoon.

The extent of the victims’ injuries is not yet known, according to a spokesperson for the Sûreté du Québec (SQ), who said police are still investigating.

The local health agency says around 10 minors between the ages of 11 and 17 are being cared for at the Mont-Laurier hospital, which is roughly 240 kilometres northwest of Montreal. Those who were not injured were taken to Mont-Laurier’s city hall. A psychosocial team was brought in to offer help.

The crash occurred around 3:45 p.m. when the bus driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle and collided with the truck near Lac Gatineau Road.

Francis Ménard, director of a provincial swimming association, Fédération de natation du Québec, said it was the Club aquatique régional Abitibi-Témiscamingue (CARAT) team from Val-d’Or, Que., that was involved in the crash.

They were heading to a competition in Blainville, Que. A coach was seriously injured in the accident, according to Ménard. A few team members were also hospitalized with injuries, and some will be transferred to Montreal tonight, he said.

“Our thoughts are with all those affected by this incident,” the association wrote on Facebook. “We are aware that this situation can affect our athletes and coaches emotionally, particularly during this competition period.”

Highway 117 is currently closed in both directions near Mont-Laurier as SQ collision reconstruction experts investigate the causes and circumstances of the collision. 

Southern Quebec was hit by heavy snow throughout the day Thursday, but police said the cause of the collision has yet to be determined.