Two Canadians have died and more than a dozen others were injured following a tourist bus crash in the Dominican Republic, according to Canadian officials.
The collision occurred on Sunday, March 1 in La Romana, a region located east of the capital city of Santo Domingo. Authorities say the bus was carrying vacationing tourists when the accident happened while they were travelling from Punta Cana International Airport to a hotel destination.
Global Affairs Canada confirmed the deaths in a statement issued Tuesday.
“Global Affairs Canada is aware of the death of two Canadians in a tourist bus accident in the Dominican Republic,” spokesperson Jérémie Bérubé said in an email. “We extend our deepest condolences to their families and loved ones as well as to all of those affected.”
Canadian officials said consular assistance is being provided and that authorities remain in contact with local officials in the Caribbean nation. Due to privacy considerations, no details about the identities of the victims have been released.
According to reports from local health authorities, 13 other passengers were injured in the crash. The Dominican Republic’s National Health Service said the injured included eight men and five women between the ages of 37 and 72.
The tourists were travelling with Sunwing Vacations, which is part of the WestJet Group. In a statement, the companies confirmed that the bus involved in the crash was operated by a third-party transportation provider contracted through NexusTours.
The vehicle had been transporting guests from Punta Cana International Airport to hotels in the coastal town of Juan Dolio when the traffic incident occurred.
“Sunwing Vacations… can confirm a bus transferring guests from Punta Cana International Airport to their hotels via our third-party provider NexusTours’ contracted bus provider was involved in a traffic incident,” the companies said in a joint statement. “Our hearts are with the families and loved ones of those affected during this incredibly difficult time.”
Company officials said they are working closely with NexusTours and local authorities and are assisting affected travellers.
The companies also noted that travel operations to Punta Cana continue as scheduled.
Canadian authorities advise that citizens requiring emergency consular assistance abroad can contact Global Affairs Canada’s 24-hour Emergency Watch and Response Centre.
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