The RCMP provided a comprehensive update Thursday morning in Regina on the status of their investigation into the Humboldt Broncos bus collision April 6.
The news conference held in Regina took place the same day the collision scene at Highways 35 and 335 north of Tisdale was closed for the day.
RCMP assistant commissioner Curtis Zablocki confirmed at the news conference that seven RCMP reconstructionists and five collision analysts were on the scene that day for additional scene analysis. That included positioning vehicles similar to those involved in the collision, taking measurements and analyzing sightlines.
“The integrity of this investigation is critical,” said Zablocki, who asked reporters to be considerate in any reporting related to their continued work at the scene.
Zablocki said the collision investigation and reconstruction involves determining the factor or factors that would cause or contribute to a collision. Investigators would examine such environmental aspects as weather, visibility, road conditions and light, mechanical conditions of the vehicles, as well as the human element such as the physical condition of the drivers, driver error, driver distraction and speed.
Due to its investigation and scope, Zablocki said, the RCMP major crimes unit was leading the investigation, with assistance from specialized units including their forensic collision reconstruction teams, forensic identification services and their major case management unit.
These teams, “have the expertise necessary to lead an investigation of this magnitude and manage the large amount of information and evidence collected,” said Zablocki.
More 50 interviews have been conducted so far with independent witnesses, including those with the driver of the tractor-trailer, owner of the trucking company and some of the victims. More are scheduled for the coming days and weeks.
The RCMP's forensic reconstruction team has taken over 5,500 photos and 3D technology and unmanned aerial vehicles are being used to gather evidence and “analyze every aspect of the scene.”
Initial investigations regarding the mechanical condition of both the tractor-trailer and the bus have been completed, and RCMP are awaiting reports on the results.
All available documentation has been recovered from the scene, including driver logbooks. Zablocki said a complete review of these documents will be conducted looking at hours of work, rest time, brake checks and compliance with safety standards.
Zablocki said the engine control modules had been recovered from the vehicles and taken by RCMP officers to California that week for further analysis. These have the ability to record pre-collision data including speeds, RPM, and application of brakes, he said.
Until the analysis is complete, they will not know what data was recorded by each vehicle prior to the collision. The data is being used to supplement the scene investigation examination.
Zablocki outlined what was known about the collision itself. He said investigators know the tractor-trailer was travelling westbound at approximately 5 p.m. on Highway 335, and the bus was travelling northbound on Highway 35. The preliminary investigation determined the tractor-trailer was in the intersection at the time of the collision.
“I can assure you that all of our efforts are dedicated to determining why the tractor-trailer was in the intersection,” Zablocki said.
“We know the road conditions were clear and the sun was shining at the time of the collision,” Zablocki said. He adds the driver of the tractor-trailer remains in regular contact with RCMP officers.
The investigation is still in the evidence recovery and collection stage and no charges have been laid.
“There is still a lot of work to be done interpreting and analyzing all of the information gathered,” said Zablocki. They will continue to work with partner agencies including Transport Canada, the provincial coroner’s officer and with SGI investigators as the investigation continues.
Zablocki added complex collision reconstruction investigations take time and are measured in weeks and months rather than days. “But be assured we are committed to providing updates as this investigation progresses.”
