3 from P.E.I. dead after ambulance and transport truck collide in N.B., police say

3 from P.E.I. dead after ambulance and transport truck collide in N.B., police say

Island EMS says collision involved 2 paramedics and a patient in their care

RCMP have confirmed that three people from Prince Edward Island have died after a two-vehicle collision Tuesday near the Confederation Bridge in New Brunswick.

According to police, the collision is believed to have occurred when an ambulance travelling westbound and a transport truck headed eastbound collided just after 9 a.m. along Route 16 in Melrose, N.B., about 12 km southwest of the bridge.

The driver of the ambulance, a man from Warren Grove, P.E.I., along with a woman from Montague and a woman from Nine Mile Creek died at the scene as a result of their injuries, RCMP said.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic motor vehicle collision involving two of our paramedics and the patient in their care,” Island EMS said in a statement posted on social media.

“At this time, the circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation. Out of respect for those involved and their loved ones, we ask that our community honour those affected without speculation, but instead with compassion and patience as they navigate the difficult days ahead.

“We appreciate all of the outreach from the community. Our focus is on the families, friends, and colleagues of those who have been impacted by this.”

2 paramedics, patient from P.E.I. die in N.B. collision

Police said the driver of the transport truck was transferred to hospital with what were believed to be serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

P.E.I. Premier Rob Lantz said in a statement that the incident has left "our entire province in shock and mourning," and extended condolences to everyone whose lives they touched.

"The two paramedics who lost their lives today dedicated themselves to caring for others... That commitment to others speaks to the kind of people they were, and their loss will be deeply felt by the Island EMS family, their colleagues across our health-care system, and communities across Prince Edward Island," the statement reads.

"We also mourn the loss of the patient who was in their care and extend our deepest sympathies to their loved ones. This is an unimaginable tragedy for every family affected and for the many first responders, health-care professionals, and emergency personnel who responded."

3 people killed in collision between ambulance and transport truck near Confederation Bridge, RCMP say

In a statement, Health P.E.I. also expressed condolences to the family and loved ones of all three people who died.

"We remain committed to supporting our staff, Island EMS teams, and all those impacted during this difficult time," the statement reads.

RCMP said they are still investigating the collision and are not releasing any further information at this time.

Both of the vehicles have been sent for a mechanical inspection, according to police.

RCMP said Route 16 in New Brunswick remained closed as of 4 p.m. Tuesday.