Boys in Red accident, car accident
The Boys in Red accident was a collision on January 12, 2008, near Bathurst in New Brunswick involving a van carrying a high school basketball team and a semi-trailer truck. The crash killed seven students and the wife of their coach, while four others were injured in what became the most deadly transportation disaster in the province since 1989.
The accident occurred when the van skidded on icy roads after a basketball game while returning home in freezing rain and fog. An investigation revealed the vehicle had rust, worn tires, and faulty brakes, failing to meet safety standards that would have prevented its use.
The crash site is located just outside Bathurst city limits along the highway, where emergency services reached the wreckage in challenging winter conditions. A memorial at Bathurst High School features a basketball net and red columns, and the community holds annual remembrance events at this location.
The van would not have passed a safety inspection and was permanently removed from service after the crash. One year later, an official inquiry with a jury made 24 recommendations for improving transportation safety, including better driver training and stricter vehicle inspections.
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