Motorists Rush to Help After Deadly Banff–Jasper Highway Crash
A devastating highway crash in Alberta’s Jasper National Park has left six people dead, including two tourists from the United States, and serves as a powerful reminder of how critical first aid and CPR knowledge can be during emergencies.
The collision occurred around 5 p.m. on Tuesday along the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) near the Honeymoon Lake campground, approximately 60 kilometres south of the Jasper townsite—one of the most scenic and heavily travelled tourist routes in the Rocky Mountains.
Vehicles Burst Into Flames After Impact
According to the RCMP, a van carrying five members of a family from Louisiana and Texas was travelling north when it collided with a southbound vehicle. The impact caused both vehicles to catch fire, said RCMP Cpl. Laurel Scott.
All four occupants of the second vehicle were killed at the scene. Their identities were not released.
Inside the van, two American tourists died at the scene, while two other family members were rushed to hospital in serious condition. A two-year-old child in the van miraculously survived without injury, despite the severity of the crash.
Details of the crash and the heroic actions of bystanders were first reported by the Calgary Sun and can be read in the original article here:
👉 Motorists helped to pull victims from burning vehicles in deadly Banff-Jasper crash
Bystanders Perform CPR and Provide Emergency Aid
As smoke and flames rose from the wreckage, passing motorists stopped immediately to help those trapped inside the burning vehicles. Among them was a retired firefighter from Australia, along with several other civilians who worked together in extremely dangerous conditions.
One of those helpers, Gagan Sidhu of Surrey, B.C., was travelling with his wife and daughter when they initially believed the smoke ahead was from a forest fire. Realizing it was a serious crash, Sidhu pulled over and ran toward the scene.
Some bystanders began performing CPR, while others provided blankets, juice, and comfort to injured survivors. Despite their efforts, two critically injured men died at the scene.
Sidhu was later handed a fire extinguisher and, with the help of others, worked to prevent flames from spreading into nearby grass and trees.
Police Thank Public for Life-Saving Efforts
RCMP Sgt. Rick Bidaisee praised the public response, noting that the actions of ordinary people made a significant difference during the critical early moments of the emergency.
“Members of the public were enormously helpful in saving lives and helping everyone they could,” he said.
A third vehicle narrowly avoided the collision, swerving off the road. Two people in that vehicle sustained minor injuries.
Why CPR and First Aid Training Matter
In emergencies like this, bystanders are often the first line of response before paramedics arrive. The actions taken in those first few minutes—such as performing CPR or helping victims escape danger—can mean the difference between life and death.
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