3 international students die in northwestern N.B. car crash

Three international students, who attended college in Campbellton, died Thursday in a car crash in St. Leonard, according to statements released by several organizations.

The single-vehicle crash happened early in the afternoon on Highway 17 in northwestern New Brunswick.

The victims were a 30-year-old man, a 27-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman, all from Ivory Coast, according to a news release from the RCMP.

The crash is believed to have occurred when the driver of the southbound vehicle lost control and the vehicle left the roadway, said the Mounties.

"It is with great sadness that we announce the death of three of our compatriots ... students at the Collège Communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick," said a statement, posted Thursday evening, by the Communauté Ivoirienne du Nouveau-Brunswick, a Facebook group for New Brunswickers with ties to the Ivory Coast. 

"We extend our sincere condolences to their families, friends and comrades, and share their pain in this time of mourning," it said, adding that a prayer vigil and a ceremony will be organized.

Car hit concrete barrier, fire chief says

Charlie Chiasson, chief of the St. Leonard fire department in Vallée-des-Rivières, near Edmundston, said firefighters were dispatched at about 1:30 p.m. for a single-vehicle collision.

Chiasson said a four-door Hyundai car had crashed into a concrete barrier at the entrance gate of a campground. 

It happened on a straight stretch of road, he said, and the weather was windy and cold but the pavement was dry and bare.

Ambulance New Brunswick responded, but all three people who were in the car died at the scene as a result of their injuries, said the RCMP release.

A collision reconstructionist with the force and an investigator from the provincial Coroner Services are helping with the investigation, which is ongoing, said the release.

The scene was cleared by about 5:30 p.m., said Chiasson.

Outpouring of support

CCNB issued a statement and reminded students and staff that mental health support services are available, including the crisis helpline, 988.

"We deeply feel the pain of these tragic losses and our hearts go out to the families, friends and loved ones of the people who have left us," said Pierre Zundel, college president and CEO, in an email to students Thursday.

"Solidarity and mutual support are essential in these trying times. We encourage you to take care of each other and show kindness to your peers," said Zundel.

The college also asked the public to show solidarity and kindness, and there has been an outpouring of condolences online.

"On behalf of Campbellton Regional Community Council and our residents, please accept our most sincere condolences," wrote Mayor Jean-Guy Levesque.