A semi-trailer truck and a pickup truck carrying disabled people collided near the city of Carberry, Manitoba.

At least 15 people were killed in a crash involving a semi-trailer truck and a pickup truck carrying disabled people in central Canada on Thursday, according to local media. Due to the severity of the accident, the number of victims could increase.

Police said on Twitter they would intervene “at the scene of a very serious collision” near the city of Carberry, Manitoba.

And hospitals in the region confirmed “that an intervention with a large number of casualties was underway” and that all facilities were on alert as the orange code was activated.

“I’ve never seen that before”

Firefighters in nearby Brandon, a medium-sized town, said the accident involved a semi-trailer truck and a minivan that specializes in transporting people with disabilities.

“It was really, really surreal to see the extent of the accident. I had never seen that before,” described Nirmesh Vadera, who arrived nearby shortly after the incident.

According to this man, who works in a hotel restaurant on the highway, numerous emergency vehicles and two helicopters are on site. Dozens of people are on site.

Justin Trudeau speaks about ‘tragic’ news

At the intersection of the Trans-Canada Highway and a provincial road about two hours from Winnipeg, Manitoba’s capital, a semi truck was seen lying on its side and a little further on a pickup truck was on fire, he said .

A lot of smoke could be seen around the crash site around noon (1700 GMT).

“The news from Carberry, Manitoba is tragic,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Twitter. “I offer my deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones today and my thoughts are with those injured. I can’t imagine the pain you’re feeling, but Canadians are here for you,” he said. He adds.

“It breaks my heart to hear the news of the tragic accident near Carberry. My deepest condolences to all involved,” Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson tweeted.

Drivers are urged to avoid the area

Police urged drivers to avoid the area and allow emergency vehicles to pass. Authorities said the highway was closed in both directions.

“People were everywhere, some seemed to be receiving medical attention… The situation looked very serious,” truck driver Josh Carson told Global News.

This tragedy is a tragic reminder of an accident that occurred in the neighboring province of Saskatchewan in 2018. A collision between a truck and a bus carrying young ice hockey players, the national sport, killed 15 people.