The driver of the semi-truck that caused the fatal Humboldt Broncos bus crash has pleaded guilty to all charges related to the accident. Jaskirat Singh Sidhu pleaded guilty to all 29 charges in court on Tuesday.
JUST IN: Jaskirat Sidhu, the driver of the transport truck involved in a deadly crash with the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team's bus, has pleaded guilty to all charges against him. https://t.co/pfOsgHjeZI pic.twitter.com/PTi9nEmwPA
— SportsCentre (@SportsCentre) January 8, 2019
The 29-year-old is facing 16 charges of dangerous driving causing death and 13 charges of dangerous driving causing bodily harm.
Humboldt Broncos Bus Crash Driver Pleads Guilty
The crash happened on April 16 and killed 16 people and injured 13 more. Humboldt was on its way to Game 4 of its SJHL semifinal series against the Nipawin Hawks when the semi driven by Sidhu collided with the bus.
Sidhu’s lawyer Mark Brayford spoke on behalf of his client and discussed his client’s wishes to move on. Sidhu stated that he did not want a trial. Brafyford also relayed his client’s deep sorrow over everything he’s caused.
“He wanted the families to know that he’s devastated by the grief that he’s caused them,” Brayford said. “And he’s overwhelmed by the expressions of sympathy and kindness that some of the families and players have expressed to him in spite of the fact their grief is entirely his fault.”
Crown lawyer Thomas Healey said he might need up to five days for a sentencing hearing, which is to begin Jan. 28. He would not comment further.
The tragedy united the hockey world and a GoFundMe raised over $15 million.
What It Means for the Future
Hopefully this can add more closure for the team and community that has been through so much. There is a civil suit against Sidhu, the trucking company he worked for and the bus manufacturer in the works.
Saskatchewan is already trying to prevent more accidents at the intersection where the accident occurred. A report suggested removing trees obstructing sight lines and posting larger stop signs.
The Canadian Press reported that there had been at least six collisions at that intersection between 1990 and 2017, and one that happened in 1997 resulted in the deaths of six people.
Humboldt Broncos logo
