Truck rams school bus, killing 1

RIMBEY, Alberta — A gravel truck slammed into a stopped school bus on a highway Wednesday morning, killing one student and injuring others.

The Wolf Creek Public Schools bus had stopped to pick up passengers, and an SUV had stopped behind it. The truck first collided with the SUV, sending it into a ditch, and then struck the school bus.

According to a CTV.ca report, authorities said that heavy fog may have been a key factor in the crash.

Jennifer Noble, 17, died from injuries sustained in the collision. At least one other student was taken to a hospital with serious injuries.

“Our hearts go out to the families, students and staff impacted by this terrible event,” Superintendent Dr. Larry Jacobs said. “The Wolf Creek Public Schools family shares in their grief, and in the coming days, we will continue to provide support for as long as it is needed.”

Grief counselors were on hand at area schools to assist students and staff in dealing with the tragedy.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) launched an investigation of the crash, looking at such aspects as weather and road conditions, the drivers’ physical state and driving abilities, and the mechanical condition of the vehicles.

RCMP said that no decision would be made on possible charges until the cause of the crash is determined.