Canadian Sunwing customers among those in Dominican Republic tour bus crash: report

This story was updated on Tuesday, March 3 at 7:30 a.m. EST

The Embassy of Canada to the Dominican Republic says Canadians were among those involved in a tourist bus crash in the Caribbean country on Sunday evening (March 1).

In a statement shared on X Monday (March 2), the embassy said officials are offering consular support but did not specify how many Canadians were on board or provide details about their condition.

“We are aware of a tourist bus accident involving Canadians in the Dominican Republic and are in contact with local authorities,” the embassy wrote. “We recognize the stress this situation may cause impacted individuals and loved ones and are providing consular assistance.”

According to local media, the accident happened near Cumayasa, roughly an hour west of Punta Cana. Two people were killed and at least 19 others were injured, the Canadian Press reported.

Authorities reportedly confirmed that the two victims were foreign nationals, though their citizenship has not been disclosed.

CP contacted Global Affairs Canada for further comment, but the department said it had no additional information to share.

The embassy added that Canadians who require help should reach out to the emergency watch and response centre, available 24/7, here.

Crash involved Sunwing guests

Additional details about the incident surfaced later, with local media reporting two deaths and at least 19 people injured in the crash.

The Dominican Republic’s National Health Service says eight of the injured were male while five were female, all between the ages of 37 and 72.

CTV News also confirmed that the bus was transporting Sunwing Vacations guests to their hotels in the town of Juan Dolio when the incident occurred, resulting in the deaths of two Canadian customers.

WestJet, parent company of Sunwing, told CTV that the bus involved was run by NexusTours.

The vehicle was transporting Sunwing travellers from the Punta Cana airport to their hotels.

In an internal memo obtained by CTV News, WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech confirmed there were passenger fatalities as well as several serious injuries.

Media outlets in the Caribbean nation, citing local officials, reported that the two people who died were foreign nationals, though their citizenship has not been disclosed.

WestJet hasn't shared details about the victims’ home countries.

The airline added that WestJet and Sunwing flights to Punta Cana are continuing to operate as planned.

“We deeply regret the tragic incident involving the bus transferring Sunwing guests in Punta Cana on March 1, 2026. Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones affected," reads a statement from NexusTours that was shared with CTV. 

“At this moment, we are cooperating fully with local authorities and WestJet/Sunwing to provide support to all impacted guests. Due to privacy and sensitivity, we cannot disclose personal details or specifics about the number of fatalities and injuries. The Canadian Embassy has been notified and is handling next of kin communications.”

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