Sapotaweyak Cree Nation teen injured in bus crash faces long recovery

A school bus rolled over on Highway 10 near Mafeking, Manitoba, injuring 14 students and the driver; RCMP say the driver lost control while passing another bus and forensic collision experts are investigating.

A school bus carrying students from Sapotaweyak Cree Nation rolled over on an icy stretch of Highway 10 just south of Mafeking on Tuesday. Fourteen high school students and the adult driver were taken to hospital after the crash. RCMP said preliminary information indicates the driver lost control while attempting to pass another bus, and forensic collision experts are continuing their investigation. Families and caregivers gathered in Swan River as some students received treatment. Known details: - Four people — three teens and one adult — were reported to have significant but non-life-threatening injuries and were airlifted to Winnipeg's Health Sciences Centre, according to RCMP. - Other students were treated at the scene and taken to a Swan Valley hospital, and families stayed nearby to be close to those receiving care. - A 16-year-old girl from Sapotaweyak Cree Nation suffered two broken vertebrae; her mother said she faces a long recovery. - Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said he is open to discussing seatbelts on school buses but that investigators' findings should inform any decisions, and forensic experts remain on the case. Summary: Several students were injured and families gathered while hospitals treated those hurt; one teen has broken vertebrae and faces an extended recovery. RCMP say forensic collision experts are investigating the rollover and officials have not announced their findings. Undetermined at this time.