Three people dead after ambulance collides with transport truck in Melrose, N.B.

Smoke billows from the scene of a collision on Route 16 in the Melrose, N.B., area on July 7, 2026. (Submitted: Jodi Boland)

Three people who were travelling in an ambulance have died after the vehicle collided with a transport truck in Melrose, N.B., Tuesday morning.

Members of the Sackville RCMP detachment responded to the two-vehicle crash on Route 16, roughly 10 minutes from the Confederation Bridge, around 9:10 a.m.

“The collision is believed to have occurred when the driver of an ambulance was travelling west bound and collided head-on with a transport truck,” said the RCMP in a news release Tuesday afternoon.

The driver of the ambulance, a 56-year-old man from Warren Grove, P.E.I., and his two passengers, a 77-year-old woman from Montague, P.E.I., and a 23-year-old woman from Nine Mile Creek, P.E.I., all died at the scene.

The driver of the transport truck was taken to hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.

Island EMS confirmed one of its ambulances was involved in the collision.

“Our thoughts are with the families, loved ones, colleagues, and everyone affected by this heartbreaking incident. We are providing support to our staff during this incredibly difficult time,” said Island EMS in an emailed statement to CTV News Atlantic.

“The circumstances surrounding the collision are under investigation. Out of respect for those involved and the investigative process, we are unable to provide further details at this time.”

Police say the cause of the crash is under investigation and both vehicles have been sent for a mechanical inspection.

Route 16 was closed at the Port Elgin roundabout, with traffic being rerouted to Route 995 at Murray Beach, for several hours Tuesday.

The collision did not impact traffic on the Confederation Bridge, which remained open.

With files from CTV News Atlantic’s Derek Haggett

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