The driver of a transport truck involved in a deadly crash with the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team's bus has pleaded guilty to all charges against him.
Jaskirat Singh Sidhu entered the guilty plea during a court appearance Tuesday morning.
16 people lost their lives and 13 players were injured when Sidhu's transport truck and the Broncos bus collided in rural Saskatchewan in April 2018.
Sidhu was charged with 16 counts of dangerous driving causing death and 13 charges of dangerous driving causing bodily harm.
The Broncos were on their way to a playoff game in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League when their bus and Sidhu's rig collided not far from Tisdale, Saskatchewan.
Statement from the Humboldt Broncos Regarding Jaskirat Singh Sidhu’s Guilty Pleas
HUMBOLDT, SK – January 8, 2019 – Jaskirat Singh Sidhu, the driver of the semi-truck that tragically collided with the Humboldt Bronco’s team bus on April 6, 2018, pleaded guilty today to 16 counts of dangerous driving causing death and 13 counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm.
The Humboldt Broncos organization is relieved that this has been resolved without the need for a drawn-out trial and thank Mr. Sidhu for taking responsibility for his actions and pleading guilty.
“Mr. Sidhu’s guilty pleas are a positive step in the healing process for the survivors, grieving families, the team and our community. I commend Mr. Sidhu for taking responsibility for his actions and sparing the survivors and the families the anguish and turmoil of rehashing this tragedy in court,” said Humboldt Bronco’s President Jamie Brockman.
“I know Mr. Sidhu has also been deeply affected by this tragedy. His careless actions will haunt him for the rest of his life, and I’m sure it is a relief to move forward.”