Humboldt Broncos Crash Driver Battles Deportation After Prison Release

Key Details Jaskirat Singh Sidhu, the truck driver responsible for the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash that killed 16 people, is fighting deportation from Canada after serving his sentence. Sidhu was granted full parole in 2023 but lost his permanent resident status in 2024 and received a deportation order. The Incident On April 6, 2018, Sidhu was operating double trailers when a loose tarp distracted him while checking his mirrors. He missed an oversize stop sign and collided with a junior hockey team's bus, resulting in 16 deaths and 13 injuries. Sidhu has since been diagnosed with PTSD and major depressive disorder. Why It Matters Sidhu's immigration lawyer filed a humanitarian and compassionate grounds application to allow him to remain in Canada. The case argues that Sidhu has two Canadian-born children, one with a lung disorder, and that his deportation would harm their welfare and his mental health. Divided Perspectives Victim families remain split on the case. Some, like hockey coach widow Christina Haugan, have forgiven Sidhu and believe he deserves peace. Others, including parent Russ Herold, argue Sidhu should be deported immediately, stating he's been in Canada "eight years too long already." Next Steps Sidhu's lawyer plans to request the Canada Border Services Agency defer deportation while the humanitarian application is reviewed, a process that could take up to two years.