AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today November 7, 2026
Emergency on Highway 39: A Former Firefighter Steps In
On the morning of November 4, 2026, a shuttle bus crashed along Highway 39, just south of Mackenzie, British Columbia. Rich Rogers, a former firefighter traveling with his family, became the first responder to the scene. Approximately 20 people were hospitalized due to the accident, which triggered a Code Orange at local hospitals in Mackenzie and Prince George.
Immediate Action Saves Lives
As the Rogers family drove the rural stretch of highway, Rich noticed the bus veering into their lane before careening into a ditch about 20 feet deep, striking a tree, and spinning to a stop. "Before I could blink, Rich was running out of our car, down the steep bank and onto that bus," his wife Corynn recounted online. As she attempted to contact 911 despite poor cell coverage, Rich entered the bus, turned off the engine as gas filled the area, and began checking for pulses and reviving unconscious passengers.
According to B.C. Emergency Health Services, six ambulances, five airplanes, and a helicopter responded after the crash. Rogers gave critical first aid to multiple victims, reviving at least one person who was not breathing, and coordinated with a mobile passenger to stabilize others until further emergency support arrived. Three patients were later reported in serious condition, with four more classified as "serious but stable." Rogers continued assisting paramedics until the situation was under control.
The Psychological Toll on First Responders
The traumatic rescue reopened old wounds for Rogers, who had previously left the firefighting profession due to mental health concerns. In an online video interview, he described the emotional impact: "Part of the reason that I'm not a firefighter is I left due to mental stress." Rogers emphasized the difficulty of both the rescue and the subsequent emotional aftermath, acknowledging the importance of support networks for those affected by such incidents.
Rogers credited his wife with recognizing signs of emotional distress and spoke candidly about the importance of addressing trauma and being prepared for its return. He noted that while training provided him with life-saving skills, it came at a personal cost. "I feel that I didn't get the support and the help that I deserved. I didn't know how to ask for it properly, either."
Family Impact and Moving Forward
The event deeply affected Rogers' family, particularly his 12-year-old son, who repeatedly expressed distress over what he witnessed. Rogers was grateful that he parked their vehicle a sufficient distance away to shield his family from the worst scenes. He is focused on helping his son process the traumatic memory, stating, "We just have to kind of make sure that he's not being negatively affected, and that he knows that we're here, that he can talk to us about whatever and anything that he needs to."
Recognition and Advocacy for First Responder Support
Following the crash, many have praised Rogers for his decisive actions, but he remains humble, stating, "I don't really think of myself as a hero, I just think of myself as the wrong place, right time, right skills." He hopes others can understand the unseen toll such events take, noting the importance of respecting claims of invisible emotional pain among first responders and the need for better trauma support.
Reflecting on past experiences, Rogers said, "I thought it was my dream career [and it] just destroyed my life. But I have to move forward in my life, just like the people that were injured in that accident, and just do the best that I can from here for a while."
The Ongoing Need for Mental Health Resources
The Mackenzie bus crash tragedy highlights not only the critical role first responders play in emergencies but also the lasting emotional impact such work can have. Rogers’ experience underlines the urgent need for comprehensive support for those who risk their lives—and their mental health—to help others.
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Source: cbc.ca.
