‘We will not forget’: Families, community gather in Dauphin, Man., on 1st anniversary of deadly bus crash

Families, first responders and community members gathered in Dauphin Saturday to remember and honour the 17 people who died, and eight others who were injured, in a tragic bus crash one year ago.

They came together in the small western Manitoba city for the unveiling of a monument in the local CN Park, with portraits of those who died in the June 15, 2023, crash lined up next to it.

That day, a bus carrying 25 people — most of them seniors from Dauphin and the surrounding area — headed to a casino near Carberry for a day trip was hit by a semi at a Trans-Canada Highway intersection.

The names of the 17 who died in the crash, and those who survived, were read at Saturday’s ceremony before a moment of silence.

“They are parents, grandparents, family, friends, and neighbours,” the text on the monument reads. “They are leaders and volunteers in their churches, community festivals and local organizations.”

Dauphin Mayor David Bosiak said the year since the crash has been difficult.

“As we attempt to carry on without those who we love, we’ll be reminded of them every time we view this monument,” he said at Saturday’s ceremony.

“Hopefully, as time passes, seeing this monument will bring some joy, instead of the sorrow.”

The mayor told reporters he hopes the monument reminds Dauphin residents and visitors about the people, not the crash.

“Every significant event, be it Christmas or Easter or Thanksgiving … There’s many families in our community that have people missing,” he said. “We’ve lost some great people, and we’ll forever remember them.”

Hundreds gathered in Dauphin, Man., on Saturday for the unveiling of a monument that honours the victims and survivors of the bus crash that claimed the lives of 17 people.

Memorial needed, says victim’s daughter

Families of those who were in the crash came up with the idea of the monument.

Lavonne Tyschinski, who lost her mother Shirley Novalkowski in the crash, said the collaborative process was therapeutic.

The ceremony and the unveiling were also part of that healing process, which is something they all needed, she said.  

“I’m not going to say it’s closure. It’s just more, we were able to … come together and [celebrate] their lives.”

“We’re acknowledging who they were and what they were about…. We’re just glad that we were able to have an event like this.”

Josephine Stokotelny, one of the survivors, said she was lucky to be alive to see it.

“I could have been in the frame,” she said. “They were all good friends of mine.”

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew also offered his condolences to the families of the survivors and victims during the ceremony.

“It is important to come together at times like this,” he said.

“While we may not have answers for all the difficult questions, we know that through being present and through stepping forward to be there for one another, we can begin to chart a path forward.”

Kinew told the survivors that they’re not alone.

“There are so many emotions and reflections that we’ve all entertained over this past year, and yet you are the ones who have had to endure so much of it, in the most acute way,” he said.

“We join you, we mourn with you,” he said. “We remember and we will not forget.”

Tribute to first responders

Cam Abrey, chief of the Dauphin Fire Department, said the effects of the crash rippled through the community.

“One year ago today, many lives intertwined as a result of this tragic incident,” he said at the ceremony, where he helped unveil the permanent fixture, alongside officials from fire departments in Brandon and the rural municipality of North Cypress-Langford, where the crash happened.

A bench, with the names of those who died in the crash, was also unveiled next to the monument on Saturday.

Abrey also read out some of the words engraved on the monument, that thank the first responders who rushed to help one year ago.

“Thank you for holding the hands of those who were fighting for their lives that day, and for ensuring the dignity of those that were lost,” the monument’s text reads.

Kinew also thanked first responders, saying the province will award those who responded to the crash with the Order of the Buffalo Hunt — the highest honour the premier can bestow.

“Over the past few months, it became clear that the first responders and the other helpers from that day have borne an impact too,” Kinew told reporters.

“I think it’s important we find a way to pay tribute to those who stepped up that day to save lives.”

Tyschinski said the event was an opportunity to meet many of those first responders — and thank them for putting themselves in harm’s way to save lives.

“What they would have seen I can’t imagine, but I’m very grateful they’re here,” she said.

The crash happened as the bus, which was southbound on Highway 5, was crossing the Trans-Canada and was hit by an eastbound semi. RCMP have previously said that the semi had the right of way.

RCMP said earlier this week that due to a medical condition caused by the accident, they may never be able to speak to the driver of the bus. They said evidence they gathered in their investigation of the crash has been turned over to Crown prosecutors, who will decide whether to lay charges.

The Manitoba government, meanwhile, is examining options to improve safety at the intersection where the crash happened.