Driver who helped B.C. bus crash victims credits firefighter training

A Mackenzie, B.C., resident credited his firefighter training for his quick response to a shuttle bus crash that injured 20 people. Rich Rogers was driving with his family on Highway 39 when he spotted the bus overturn and veer off the road. As a former firefighter still working as a driver, Rogers used his emergency training to assess and treat the injured while his wife called emergency services.

One victim had been ejected and was not breathing, while three others were unconscious. Rogers stayed to help clear the debris, later riding with the local fire department back into town. Northern Health reported that 15 of the 20 patients have been discharged, but the crash prompted Code Orange mass-casualty declarations at two hospitals.

Rogers insists he is not a hero, but hopes his actions aid the injured passengers' recovery. The accident occurred in a remote area of northern B.C., roughly 1,000 kilometres north of Vancouver.