A tour bus accident in the Dominican Republic has left several Canadians injured, with reports indicating at least two fatalities. The incident occurred Sunday night near Cumayasa, approximately an hour west of Punta Cana, a popular resort destination. Canadian authorities are providing consular assistance to those affected by the crash, which involved a bus transporting passengers from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) to their hotels.
The Embassy of Canada in the Dominican Republic confirmed the involvement of Canadian citizens in a statement posted on social media Monday. Even as the embassy did not specify the exact number of Canadians on board, they stated that staff are in contact with local authorities and offering support. CBC News reported that the embassy is working to determine the full extent of the impact on Canadian travelers.
Sunwing Customers Involved in the Crash
WestJet, the parent company of Sunwing Vacations, has confirmed that Sunwing customers were among the passengers on the bus. A WestJet spokesperson stated that “casualties” occurred, but did not provide specific details regarding the number or severity of injuries. The bus was operated by NexusTours, a third-party provider contracted by Sunwing. The incident has prompted an immediate response from both Sunwing and WestJet, as they work to gather information and support affected travelers and their families.
According to reporting from Radio-Canada, local media sources indicate that two people died in the crash and at least 19 were injured. Authorities have confirmed that the two deceased were foreign nationals, but their specific nationalities have not yet been released. The extent of the injuries sustained by the 19 injured individuals remains unclear.
Consular Assistance and Ongoing Investigation
The Canadian Embassy is urging any Canadians needing assistance to contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre. Global Affairs Canada has been contacted for comment but has stated it cannot provide additional information at this time. The investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing, with Dominican Republic authorities working to determine the circumstances that led to the crash.
This incident underscores the risks associated with travel, even to popular tourist destinations. While the Dominican Republic is generally considered a safe country for tourists, accidents can occur. Travelers are always advised to exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings. The Canadian government provides travel advisories and safety information for destinations around the world, which can be found on its website.
The situation remains fluid as authorities continue to investigate and provide assistance to those affected. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The focus remains on supporting the injured and their families, and determining the cause of this tragic accident involving Canadian tourists in the Dominican Republic.
The next official update is expected from the Dominican Republic’s transportation authorities as their investigation progresses. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they develop into available.
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