Two correctional officers and an offender were killed in a crash during a transfer from the Edmonton Institution for Women, according to Correctional Service of Canada (CSC). The crash happened after 11 a.m. on Thursday at the intersection of Highway 13 and 41, about 270 kilometres southeast of Edmonton near the Alberta-Saskatchewan border. RCMP say the minivan carrying the officers and the inmate and a Hino box truck with a lone driver were involved in the crash. The three people in the van, a 25-year-old woman from Winnipeg, a 57-year-old man from Sherwood Park, and a 24-year-old woman from North Battleford died at the scene. The driver of the box truck was taken to a nearby hospital with minor injuries. The cause of the crash is under investigation. RCMP and CSC says the identities of the officers and inmate will not be released at this time. Officials are also not releasing what institution the inmate was being transferred to for investigative reasons. CSC says a review of the inmate’s death will be conducted but did not provide further information. Reaction to the crash Reactions to the crash have come in from across Canada. “The Alberta RCMP offers our sympathies to everyone affected by this tragic event. We extend our support to our fellow officers at Correctional Service Canada as they mourn their friends and colleagues and send our condolences to the loved ones of all three individuals whose lives were lost yesterday,” Assistant Commissioner Wayne Nichols said in a news release. CSC posted condolences to social media on Thursday evening, calling it a “tragic accident.” “Our colleagues who lost their lives in the line of duty served Canadians with professionalism, dedication and courage,” the post reads. The Union of Canadian Correctional Officers (UCCO-SACC-CSN) called the death of the officers an “unimaginable tragedy.” “These officers made the ultimate sacrifice while serving Canadians and ensuring the safety and security of our communities. Today, the entire correctional family is mourning their loss,” the union said in a news release. “At this time, the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation by the RCMP. Out of respect for that investigation and for the families involved, UCCO-SACC-CSN will not speculate on the events that led to this tragedy. “We understand there are many questions, but it is essential that the investigative process be allowed to proceed without interference.” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said his thoughts were with the loved ones and colleagues of the two officers. “Every day, correctional officers do difficult work with an enormous responsibility: keeping Canadians and our communities safe. Yesterday, two officers tragically lost their lives,” he wrote. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also wrote that he was “saddened” to learn of the deaths of the officers, adding they are owed a “debt of gratitude” for keeping Canadians safe.
