Article content

Five students remain in hospital in critical condition after a crane collided with a school bus along Highway 28 Monday morning.

RCMP confirmed the crash happened around 8:30 a.m. along the highway at Range Road 180. Police said the bus was trying to cross the highway at Range Road 180 when the collision happened.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Five students in critical condition following school bus crash near Smoky Lake Back to video

Aspen View Public Schools (AVPS) confirmed the school bus was transporting 14 students to H.A. Kostash, a K-12 school.

Alberta Health Services said on Tuesday three patients were airlifted to Edmonton by STARS in critical condition. Two more children, also in critical condition, were transported by ground ambulance to Edmonton.

Ground ambulances also transported a man and a child to Edmonton in serious but stable condition, as well as another patient who was in stable condition.

Another patient was transported by ground ambulance to the city in stable condition.

In total, 16 patients were assessed by emergency services or in hospital.

The driver of the crane was taken to hospital with minor injuries, police said, and a passenger was not injured.

RCMP say there are no charges at the moment as the investigation is ongoing.

Following the crash, community members of Smoky Lake started a Gofundme page to raise funds to help the students and families directly impacted. So far, more than $3,600 of the $10,000 goal has been raised.

jlabine@postmedia.com

Twitter.com/jefflabine