Fatal Crash Linked to Conquer Transport’s Safety Violations

Conquer Transport, involved in a deadly collision near Brandon, had its safety certification revoked by Manitoba in 2021 due to persistent safety operation failures and violations of highway regulations, according to the provincial government.

On Wednesday, a Conquer semi-truck ran a stop sign on Highway 110 at Richmond Avenue East, colliding with an SUV driven by a 49-year-old woman who had the right of way. The woman, an employee of a nearby meat-packing facility, was declared dead at the scene. Brijpal Panwar, 35, has been charged with dangerous driving resulting in death.

Transportation Minister Lisa Naylor indicated on Thursday that the truck should not have been operated in Manitoba after the revocation of its certificate. However, the company later obtained a safety certificate from Alberta.

A government representative confirmed the safety certificate was withdrawn in late 2021 for failing to adhere to safety laws and regulations specific to trucks. Conquer Transport is now listed online as permanently closed.

Despite this, in February 2022, officials discovered the company was still operating in Manitoba with an Alberta-based safety certificate, having changed its name to do so. The Manitoba government has maintained communication with Alberta concerning this carrier since then.

The recent incident prompted calls for a national database for sharing trucking companies’ safety information. Aaron Dolyniuk, executive director of the Manitoba Trucking Association, emphasized the importance of addressing this issue on a national scale to improve safety regulations and prevent future tragedies.