Four people ranging in age from seven to 18 who were passengers in a camper-van driven by a 15-year-old were killed in a collision with a train at an uncontrolled crossing in rural Saskatchewan, RCMP say.
The 15-year-old as well as a 42-year-old woman passenger in the camper-van were also injured.
RCMP Cpl. Rob King said it is legal in Saskatchewan for a 15-year-old with a learner's permit to drive if accompanied by an adult.
RCMP and emergency medical crews were called around 6:45 p.m. CST Thursday to the crash site on a grid road south of Highway 1, about five kilometres east of Broadview.
Police said the 15-year-old had severe injuries and was transported by an air ambulance helicopter to Regina. The 42-year-old was taken to Broadview for treatment, but the extent of her injuries was not disclosed.
Police said the four camper-van passengers — a boy and girl, both seven years old, an 11-year-old girl and an 18-year-old woman — died at they scene. No names were released.
The main Canadian Pacific rail line east of Broadview has been shut down while police and railway officials investigate.
Broadview is about 145 kilometres east of Regina.