N.B. woman, 32, dies following collision between car and bus carrying Miramichi junior hockey team: RCMP
A 32-year-old woman from Priceville, N.B. has died following a collision between a car and a bus carrying the Miramichi Timberwolves Junior A hockey team.
Sgt. Andrew Griffiths of the New Brunswick RCMP says at approximately 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, police responded to a fatal collision on Highway 8 near Astle, N.B.
Griffiths says the woman, who was driver of the car, died at the scene.
"An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the woman's exact cause of death," RCMP said in a news release. "Police would like to extend their condolences to the family of the deceased and thank the Upper Miramichi community for their hospitality to those affected during the incident."
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
In a statement, the Maritime Junior Hockey League confirmed the bus involved was carrying players and staff with the Miramichi Timberwolves.
“Those on the bus sustained limited injuries and grief counsellors have been brought in. Further counselling and support will be offered, as requested,” reads the statement. “The Maritime Junior Hockey League offers its condolences to the family of the victim of Sunday's accident.”
Miramichi Mayor Adam London is encouraging those affected to use the mental health services being offered to them.
"I've heard from people in the community, close to where the accident happened and apparently, there were some community members there who got organized and brought some food and drinks to help comfort members of the team,” said London.
"We offer our thoughts and our condolences to the family of their loved one and we encourage the members of the team to get the support they need during this scary and tragic incident.”
Scott Wood, the chaplain of the Fredericton Red Wings, is offering hockey players his time to listen, as they process this incident.
"What happened with Humboldt a few years back and with what could have happened yesterday for them. Clearly someone lost their life in this accident so, that is tragic," said Wood.
"At the end of the day, hockey is a game. Life isn't a game. We want to keep that perspective. You never want that to come at the expense of someone losing their life."
The Timberwolves were scheduled to play against the Fredericton Red Wings Sunday afternoon, but the game has been postponed.
Highway 8 runs between Miramichi and Fredericton. Astle is located about 60 km from Fredericton, and 115 km from Miramichi.
Highway 8 was closed for several hours and traffic was diverted as investigators were on scene to determine the cause of the collision.
"Police would like to extend their condolences to the family of the deceased and thank the Upper Miramichi community for their hospitality to those affected during the incident," the RCMP said in the news release.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Snowbirds in Vancouver for puck-drop flyby as Canucks face Oilers
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be performing a flyover across downtown Vancouver at the start of tonight's Stanley Cup playoff game between the Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.