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Saskatchewan RCMP provide update on Humboldt investigation

Nearly two weeks after the devastating Humboldt Broncos bus crash that claimed the lives of 16 people, and injured many more, Saskatchewan RCMP has provided an update on the investigation.

The general message was that it’s a complex case and there’s still much to be done with the investigation.

The RCMP’s Major Crimes Unit is leading the investigation with assistance from many specialized investigative units.

So far, they’ve interviewed over 50 people, including independent witnesses, the driver of the truck, the owner of the trucking company and some of the victims.

More interviews are scheduled for the coming days and weeks.

Also, the RCMP’s Forensic Collision Reconstruction Team has taken more than 5,500 photos of the crash scene and are using 3D technology and unmanned aerial vehicles to gather evidence and analyze every aspect of the scene.

The crash scene, which is the intersection of Hwy 335 and Hwy 35 was closed a dozen collision reconstructionists and analysts perform additional scene analysis.

“Collision investigation and reconstruction is about determining the factor(s) that caused or contributed to a collision,” explained Commr. Curtis Zablocki.

“Our investigators and reconstructionists examine environmental aspects such as weather, visibility, road conditions and light; the mechanical condition of the vehicles involved; and the human element such as the physical condition of the drivers, driver error, driver distraction and speed.”

According to Zablocki, road conditions were clear and the sun was shining at the time of the crash, which occurred at 5 p.m. on April 6.

One thing he did reveal is that the tractor-trailer, which was travelling westbound, was in the intersection at the time of the collision with the Humboldt Broncos bus, which was travelling southbound.

As for the driver, he was taken into custody after the crash and released later that evening, but remains in regular contact with officers and criminal charges haven’t been ruled out.

<who>Photo Credit: Humboldt Broncos

However, it could be a significant amount of time before potential charges, if any, are laid.

“Complex collision reconstruction investigations take time and are often measured in weeks and months, not days,” explained Zablocki. “But be assured, we are committed to providing updates as the investigation progresses.”

The RCMP have recovered the engine control modules from both vehicles and sent them to California for further expert analysis.

These engine control modules have the ability to record pre-collision data, including speed, changes in speed, the RPM of the engines and the application of brakes.

That data, once complete, will be used to supplement the scene investigation and assist in the examination of the circumstances of the event.



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