SANTO DOMINGO — A bus accident in the Dominican Republic killed two Canadian tourists and injured 13 others, authorities said Monday.

Eight of the injured are male and five female, between ages 37 and 72, according to the Dominican Republic’s National Health Service. They said two injured passengers were transferred to a specialized trauma hospital given their condition.

The accident occurred Sunday night when the bus slid across a road in the popular tourist area of La Romana, east of the capital, Santo Domingo, according to authorities.

The tourists were traveling from the airport in Punta Cana to a hotel in the coastal town of Juan Dolio.

The Canadian Embassy to the Dominican Republic posted on social media that its staff were providing consular assistance to people affected by the accident but didn’t give further details.

The Dominican Republic has one of the world’s highest traffic fatality rates, according to the World Health Organization.

SUNWING VACATIONS STATEMENT

Sunwing Vacations shared the following statement with Travelweek.

“Sunwing Vacations, a part of WestJet Group, can confirm a bus transferring guests from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) to their hotels via our third-party provider NexusTours’ contracted bus provider, was involved in a traffic incident. The incident occurred on March 1, 2026, and resulted in casualties. Our hearts are with the families and loved ones of those affected during this incredibly difficult time.

“We are in close contact with NexusTours as well as local authorities and are actively supporting impacted guests, as well as anyone who may require assistance. Travel to Punta Cana continues to operate as scheduled.”

With file from The Associated Press

Lead image caption: La Zurza neighbourhood, Santo Domingo, May 18, 2024 — Credit AP Photo/Matias Delacroix