Two P.E.I. paramedics and a patient have died after an ambulance collided with a transport truck in Melrose, N.B., Tuesday morning.
Members of the Sackville RCMP detachment responded to the two-vehicle crash on Route 16, roughly 10 minutes from the Confederation Bridge, around 9:10 a.m.
“The collision is believed to have occurred when the driver of an ambulance was travelling west bound and collided head-on with a transport truck,” said the RCMP in a news release Tuesday afternoon.
The driver of the ambulance, a 56-year-old man from Warren Grove, P.E.I., and his two passengers, a 77-year-old woman from Montague, P.E.I., and a 23-year-old woman from Nine Mile Creek, P.E.I., all died at the scene.
The driver of the transport truck was taken to hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.
Island EMS confirmed one of its ambulances was involved in the collision.
“Our thoughts are with the families, loved ones, colleagues, and everyone affected by this heartbreaking incident. We are providing support to our staff during this incredibly difficult time,” said Island EMS in an emailed statement to CTV News Atlantic.
“The circumstances surrounding the collision are under investigation. Out of respect for those involved and the investigative process, we are unable to provide further details at this time.”
Police say the cause of the crash is under investigation and both vehicles have been sent for a mechanical inspection.
Route 16 was closed at the Port Elgin roundabout, with traffic being rerouted to Route 995 at Murray Beach, for several hours Tuesday.
The collision did not impact traffic on the Confederation Bridge, which remained open.
‘They will be greatly missed’
Health PEI issued a statement Tuesday afternoon, confirming the deaths of two Island EMS paramedics in the collision.
“They played a vital role in our health care system, using their skills, compassion, and courage to help Islanders every single day,” said Laurae Kloschinsky, interim CEO of Health PEI.
“Their impact on patients, families, and communities will not be forgotten, and they will be greatly missed.”
“We also extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family and loved ones of the patient who lost their life in this tragedy,” Kloschinsky added. “Every patient entrusted to our care is important to us, and we share in the sorrow of this loss.”
‘All Islanders are grieving’
P.E.I. Premier Rob Lantz also issued a statement about the fatal collision, which he said has left the province “in shock and mourning.”
“Today, all Islanders are grieving,” said Lantz.
“The two paramedics who lost their lives today dedicated themselves to caring for others. They chose a profession built on compassion, courage, and service, answering the call whenever Islanders needed them most.”
Lantz said their loss will be felt deeply by the Island EMS family, their colleagues in the health-care system, and communities across P.E.I.
“We also mourn the loss of the patient who was in their care and extend our deepest sympathies to their loved ones,” said Lantz. “This is an unimaginable tragedy for every family affected and for the many first responders, healthcare professionals, and emergency personnel who responded.
“Prince Edward Island is a small province, and losses like this are felt deeply. Today, we stand together in grief.”
With files from CTV News Atlantic’s Derek Haggett
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