Accident and emergency department
(Picture: PA Archive)More than 50 people were injured in a bus crash in British Columbia, Canada on Christmas Eve.
Medical teams at three hospitals are treating at least 53 individuals, according to local health authority Interior Health, which said the accident on Highway 97C triggered a “Code Orange” response – a hospital designation used for disasters or a mass casualty event.
In a social media update Interior Health said: “We are not in a position to provide patient conditions at this time.
“We will make every effort to connect families with patients as soon as possible.”
The accident occurred on Highway 97C-Okanagan Connector between Merritt and Kelowna, according to a joint statement from British Columbia Premier David Eby and other government leaders.
The area is roughly 62 miles north of the Canada-US border.
“Our thoughts are with those impacted by the crash, their loved ones, and the first responders and health-care workers giving their all to treat people and keep them safe,” the statement said.
The cause of the accident is unknown at this time.
