Authorities in the Dominican Republic say a fatal bus accident Sunday night involving a shuttle transporting tourists to a hotel has killed two Sunwing Vacations guests from Canada.
Local media in the Dominican Republic first reported two deaths and at least 19 people injured in the crash.
The Dominican Republic’s National Health Service says eight of the injured were male while five were female, all between the ages of 37 and 72.
Two of those passengers were transferred to a specialized trauma hospital due to their condition.
The age and gender of the deceased tourists were not immediately available.
The crash happened on a stretch of road near the coastal community of Cumayasa, about an hour’s drive west of Punta Cana.
CTV News has confirmed the bus was carrying Sunwing Vacations guests to their hotels in the coastal town of Juan Dolio.
The area is a popular destination for Canadians.
1/2 We are aware of a tourist bus accident involving Canadians in the Dominican Republic and are in contact with local authorities. We recognize the stress this situation may cause impacted individuals and loved ones and are providing consular assistance.
— Canada in DR (@CanEmbDR) March 2, 2026
Calgary-based WestJet, which operates Sunwing, tells CTV News the bus was operated by a third-party provider, Nexus Tours.
It carried Sunwing Vacations guests from the Punta Cana airport to their hotels.
An internal memo by WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech, obtained by CTV News, states there are confirmed guest fatalities and some severe injuries.
Local media in the Caribbean country quote authorities saying both fatalities were foreign nationals, without confirming their citizenship.
The Embassy of Canada to the Dominican Republic posted about the tragedy on social media.
“We are aware of a tourist bus accident involving Canadians in the Dominican Republic and are in contact with local authorities,” the post says. “We recognize the stress this situation may cause impacted individuals and loved ones and are providing consular assistance.”
Global Affairs Canada, in a statement to CTV News on Tuesday, said it is aware of the deaths of two Canadians, but no further details about their identities is being released.
“We extend our deepest condolences to their families and loved ones as well as to all of those affected. Canadian officials are providing consular assistance and are in contact with local authorities,” the agency wrote.
WestJet says it’s unable to release information on where the guests are from.
It says WestJet/Sunwing travel to Punta Cana continues to operate as scheduled.
CTV News reached out to Nexus Tours, requesting additional information.
In a statement, the bus operator says, “We deeply regret the tragic incident involving the bus transferring Sunwing guests in Punta Cana on March 1, 2026. Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones affected.”
“At this moment, we are cooperating fully with local authorities and WestJet/Sunwing to provide support to all impacted guests. Due to privacy and sensitivity, we cannot disclose personal details or specifics about the number of fatalities and injuries. The Canadian Embassy has been notified and is handling next of kin communications.”
With files from The Canadian Press
