A tranquil journey ended in tragedy Sunday night in the Dominican Republic, as a tourist bus veered off course, claiming the lives of two Canadian travelers and leaving thirteen others injured.
The bus, en route from Punta Cana International Airport to the coastal town of Juan Dolio, reportedly slid across a roadway in the La Romana region, a popular tourist destination east of the capital, Santo Domingo. The sudden loss of control plunged the group into a harrowing ordeal.
Among the injured are eight men and five women, ranging in age from 37 to 72. The severity of their injuries prompted the immediate transfer of two passengers to a specialized trauma hospital, where they are receiving critical care.
News of the accident quickly reached the Canadian Embassy in the Dominican Republic, which swiftly confirmed the involvement of Canadian citizens. Consular assistance is being provided to those affected and their families, acknowledging the immense distress caused by the event.
The incident involved passengers traveling with SunWing Vacations, though the bus itself was operated by a third-party provider contracted through NexusTours. The airline expressed profound sorrow for the loss and extended heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.
WestJet, the parent company of SunWing Vacations, is working closely with NexusTours and local authorities to support the injured passengers and provide assistance to anyone impacted by the devastating crash. The focus remains on ensuring the well-being of those involved during this incredibly difficult time.
The circumstances surrounding the accident are currently under investigation, as authorities seek to determine the cause of the bus losing control and the factors that contributed to this heartbreaking event.
