In a tragic incident, four Indian nationals including an infant and a teen have lost their lives at the Canada-US border, what is suspected to be a failed attempt to cross the border during a freezing blizzard.
It is believed all four victims lost their lives due to exposure to the extreme cold weather.
According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the bodies were located approximately 12 metres from the Canada-US border.
Expressing regret over the unfortunate incident, External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar said, “Shocked by the report that 4 Indian nationals, including an infant, have lost their lives at the Canada-US border. Have asked our Ambassadors in the US and Canada to urgently respond to the situation.”
In response to EAM Dr. S Jaishankar’s request, an Indian consular team from Toronto will travel to Manitoba and a team from Chicago will travel to Minnesota to coordinate and provide any assistance required, Indian Ambassadors from Canada and US informed.
Terming the incident as a grave tragedy, Indian Ambassador to Canada, Ajay Bisaria said, “An Indian consular team is travelling today from @IndiainToronto to Manitoba to coordinate and help. We will work with Canadian authorities to investigate these disturbing events.”
On the other hand, calling it an unfortunate and tragic incident, Indian Ambassador to US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu said, “We are in touch with US authorities on their ongoing investigation. A consular team from @IndiainChicago is travelling today to Minnesota to coordinate and provide any assistance required.”
Manitoba RCMP locate four deceased individuals near the Canada-US border:
The incident came to light, following the US Customs and Border Protection had apprehended a group of individuals who had crossed into the US from Canada, near the town of Emerson, Manitoba.
According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, of the individuals arrested one adult
had items meant for an infant but that no infant was with the group.
Upon receiving the information a search was immediately launched on both sides of the border.
“At approximately 1:30 pm, the bodies of three individuals were located on the Canadian side of the border, approximately 10km east of Emerson. They have been identified as- An adult male; An adult female; and An infant. Fearing there may be additional victims, officers continued their search and located the body of an additional male,” RCMP Manitoba Assistant Commissioner Jane MacLatchy stated
MacLarchy further expressing regret over the incident added, “individuals were left on their own, in the middle of a blizzard when the weather hovered around minus 35 C, factoring [in] the wind.”
“The individuals faced not only cold weather but also endless fields winds and darkness,” she added.
