3 Killed In Canada Jail-Transfer Crash, Punjab-Origin Officer Among Victims

Three people, including a 25-year-old Indian-origin correctional officer from Punjab, were killed when a Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) vehicle carrying a woman inmate was involved in a head-on collision in rural Alberta. The crash took place shortly before 11:30 am at the intersection of Highway 41 and Highway 13, south of Wainwright near Czar, around 200 km southeast of Edmonton. All three occupants of the correctional vehicle died at the scene.

The deceased were identified as 25-year-old Ramandeep Kaur Maan from Winnipeg, 57-year-old Nicolae Serban from Sherwood Park and 24-year-old inmate Kiara Mooswa from North Battleford. Maan and Serban were correctional officers with the Correctional Service of Canada, while Mooswa was being transported in custody. The CSC vehicle collided with a Hino box truck that had one person inside.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers from Provost and Wainwright, along with the Hughenden Fire Department, responded to the crash. The driver of the box truck was taken to a nearby hospital with minor injuries, police said. His identity was not released. The RCMP and CSC have not disclosed the destination of the correctional vehicle, saying the information was being withheld at this stage to protect the integrity of the investigation.

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Maan, who hailed from Gudhe village in Ludhiana district of Punjab, had moved to Canada as an international student several years ago. She completed her studies in Manitoba before moving to Alberta and settling in Edmonton around a year ago. She had a keen interest in sports and joined the Correctional Service of Canada as a correctional officer about six months ago. Her death has left her family, friends and members of the Punjabi community in Canada mourning.

CSC Commissioner Talal Dakalbab expressed condolences over the deaths of Maan and Serban, describing the two officers as dedicated professionals who served in the interest of public safety. He also acknowledged the death of Mooswa, who was in the custody of the correctional service at the time of the collision. Since an inmate died while in custody, the Correctional Service of Canada said an internal investigation would also be conducted.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also expressed condolences to the families and colleagues of those who died. The Union of Canadian Correctional Officers mourned the two correctional officers and highlighted their service and commitment. Meanwhile, authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash, with further details expected as the police inquiry and internal review progress.

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