Survivors Commemorate 65 Years Since Alberta Bus Tragedy

UPDATE: Survivors and families gathered this weekend to mark the 65th anniversary of a devastating bus crash in Alberta that claimed the lives of 17 teenagers. The tragic incident occurred on November 29, 1960, when a freight train collided with a school bus traveling from Chipman to Lamont, leaving a lasting impact on the community and its residents.

The remembrance event, held in Lamont, included a heartfelt service and the burial of a time capsule containing cherished mementos such as newspaper clippings, photographs, letters, teddy bears, and even an old bus license plate. This capsule, intended to be opened in 35 years for the 100th anniversary of the crash, symbolizes the enduring memory of the tragedy.

Survivor John Winnick, who was a teenager on the bus, recounted the harrowing moment of impact, stating, “I remember flying through the air.” Winnick, alongside fellow survivors, managed to escape the wreckage, only to be confronted by the shock of the scene around him. “We started looking around and there were fellow students laying around all over the place,” he recalled.

Families like that of Mae Adamyk, who lost her sister Barbara Pewarchuk in the crash, continue to feel the weight of this tragedy. Adamyk shares a poignant memory of their last conversation: “I was getting off the bus and she was staying on… ‘Good luck kid,’ she said. I’ll never forget her eyes.”

The event also drew attention to the efforts of Tom Hrehorets, chair of the bus-train memorial committee, who initiated memorials in Chipman and Lamont after the Humboldt Broncos bus crash in 2018. Hrehorets emphasized the importance of remembering the past, stating, “We had a tragedy like that in our own backyard, and they didn’t know about it.”

Each year, the communities come together to honor the victims, with a memorial service at the St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Chipman. Survivors and families have found solace in sharing their stories, paving the way for healing. Adamyk reflects, “I think that’s when the healing really starts, when you could start talking about it.”

The tragedy continues to resonate, with survivors expressing their fears around railway crossings and the emotional scars that remain. As Winnick stated, “When I get close to one of the big locomotives, it scares me. They scare me. There’s something that, it’s a monster.”

Moving forward, the bus-train memorial committee aims to raise funds for scholarships for local high school students, ensuring that the legacy of the 17 lives lost will continue to impact future generations. The community remains united in their commitment to remembrance, as they navigate the complex emotions tied to this profound loss.

The annual service serves as both a tribute to the victims and a reminder of the ongoing journey of healing for survivors and their families. As they look ahead to the next milestones, the stories of that fateful day remain vivid, underscoring the importance of community and remembrance in the face of tragedy.