15 Released, 5 Still Hospitalized in Mackenzie, B.C., Bus Crash on Highway 39

flashing red and blue emergency lights reflecting on a wet rural highway surrounded by dense evergreen trees, with blurred silhouettes of first responders asses

AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.

Hospitalizations and Patient Updates After Bus Crash

Fifteen people have been released and five still remain in hospital following a major bus crash near Mackenzie, north of Prince George, B.C., on Wednesday. The incident involved a shuttle bus carrying workers subcontracted by Iren, a multinational data centre company with operations in Mackenzie and Prince George.

Emergency Response and Hospital Code Orange

The crash prompted both the University Hospital of Northern B.C. in Prince George and the local hospital in Mackenzie to declare a code orange, a protocol activated for situations that could overwhelm hospital resources. According to Northern Health, all twenty patients were taken to hospitals following the bus accident. Out of these, fifteen have since been treated and released. Four patients remain in care locally, while one was airlifted to another hospital elsewhere in the province.

Ambulance and Emergency Services Reaction

B.C. Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) reported deploying six air ambulances and six ground ambulances to the scene. Patients transported to the hospitals sustained injuries ranging from minor to serious. Operations at both hospitals have now returned to normal. Northern Health extended thanks to "the physicians, nurses, first responders and other health professionals in Mackenzie and Prince George whose rapid and highly-professional response saved lives and prevented this tragic incident from taking an even greater toll on the victims."

Investigation: RCMP and WorkSafeBC

The RCMP described the aftermath of the crash as a "chaotic scene," noting that the northbound shuttle bus left Highway 39 and no other vehicles were involved in the incident. The B.C. Highway Patrol has now taken control of the case, with police stating the cause of the crash remains uncertain and that "nothing has been ruled out." No arrests have been made. WorkSafeBC is conducting a parallel investigation, with a spokesperson affirming that they are "working with law enforcement partners to establish an understanding of the factors related to this incident."

Privacy and Patient Conditions

Updates on the specific conditions of those who remain hospitalized have not been disclosed by BCEHS, Northern Health, or RCMP, who all cited patient privacy concerns. The deployment of multiple emergency services and the rapid medical response were highlighted as critical in mitigating the impact of the bus accident on the workers involved.

Ongoing Workplace Safety and Transportation Reviews

The shuttle bus involved was transporting workers hired by Iren, underlining ongoing considerations for workplace safety and transportation. Both WorkSafeBC and the RCMP's continued investigations seek to determine the circumstances of the crash and ensure appropriate follow-up for the safety of employees and the broader public.