The Humboldt Driver: W5
Catalogue Number: CTV873
Producer: CTV
Producing Agencies: CTV
Subject: Canadian World Studies, Criminal Justice & Law, Documentary, Guidance, Social Sciences, Social Studies, Sociology
Language: English
Grade Level: 9 - 12, Post Secondary, Adult
Country Of Origin: Canada
Copyright Year: 2021
Running Time: 22:02
His name is Jaskirat Sidhu. Most people know him only as "The Humboldt Driver." On April 6, 2018, Sidhu was tasked with transporting a giant load of peat moss on tandem trailers, across Saskatchewan on unfamiliar rural roads. He had challenges from the beginning. First, his trailers got stuck in the snow and he needed to find a tow. Then his tarps came loose and he feared losing his load, and finally, at 5 p.m. while he was checking his rear view mirror to see if his ties were solid, he missed a stop sign. A chartered bus, carrying the Humboldt Broncos hockey club, was approaching the intersection and couldn't stop in time. The two vehicles collided, killing 16 people and injuring 13 others on the bus. Canada plunged into mourning.
Sidhu was sentenced to eight years in prison. Sidhu is not a Canadian citizen. He is a permanent resident. Under immigration rules, anyone convicted of a crime that carries a sentence greater than six months is subject to deportation.