The truck driver involved in the fatal bus crash with the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team has pleaded guilty to all 29 charges against him.

Jaskirat Sidhu was charged with 16 counts of dangerous operation of motorized vehicle causing death and 13 counts of dangerous operation of motor vehicle causing bodily injury. He appeared in court in Melfort, Sask., on Tuesday to deliver his plea.

The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League team was bound for a playoff game on April 6 when the bus and a semi-truck collided at a rural intersection between Nipawin and Tisdale. Sidhu was not hurt, though 16 died and another 13 were injured.

Sidhu was arrested in July and held in custody before being released on $1,000 bail with conditions.

If convicted, the 29-year-old faces sentences upwards of 14 years and 10 years in jail, respectively.

The case has been adjourned until Jan. 28.</s>The semi-trailer truck involved in the Humboldt Broncos team bus crash was travelling at nearly 100 km/h at the moment of impact, and the semi's driver isn't thought to have been distracted, according to a document obtained by CBC News.

The document has not yet been presented to the court.

"No tire skid marks due to braking were left by the semi-tractor unit," reads a draft statement of facts agreed to by the Crown and defence in the court case of semi driver Jaskirat Singh Sidhu.

It says Sidhu simply "failed to recognize that his vehicle was approaching an intersection and did not heed the stop sign."

In Melfort, Sask., provincial court Tuesday morning, Sidhu pleaded guilty to 16 counts of dangerous driving causing death and 13 counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm.

On April 6, 2018, there was a collision between the Humboldt Broncos' tour bus and the truck Sidhu was driving. The team was travelling to a playoff game in Nipawin, Sask. Sixteen people died and 13 were injured in the crash.

A draft statement of facts, which has yet to be presented in court, has been obtained by CBC. It details the events that led to the Humboldt Broncos' team bus crash on April 6, 2018. 0:33

Stop sign 1.2 metres wide

CBC News obtained the five-page statement, based largely on the RCMP "Forensic Collision Reconstruction Report" following the brief but emotional hearing.

It states Sidhu drove into the intersection at a speed of 86 to 96 km/h. This was despite a 1.2-metre-wide (four feet) stop sign with a red flashing light on top, as well as clearly marked highway signs warning of an intersection from approximately 400 metres, 300 metres, 200 metres and 100 metres away.

As Sidhu approached the intersection on Highway 335, the driver of the Broncos bus travelling down the larger Highway 35 recognized the danger, according to the statement.

The bus driver applied the brakes and skidded for 24 metres before the collision, it stated.

"The driver of the bus did not contribute to the collision," it stated. "The actions of Mr. Sidhu while operating the semi-tractor unit caused the collision."

The bus "T-boned" the semi, sending it into the ditch.

Alcohol, drugs, cellphone not factors

According to the statement, there were no environmental factors causing the crash such as sun glare or weather conditions. The nearby trees did not obstruct the view and were "inconsequential," it stated.

The document notes alcohol and drugs were not a factor. Sidhu was also not distracted by cellphone use.

Jaskirat Singh Sidhu's lawyer Mark Brayford read a prepared statement outside Melfort provincial court. He said his client just wanted to 'plead guilty.' 1:10

Outside the court, Sidhu's lawyer read a prepared statement, saying his client feels terrible and is very sorry.

"His position to me was, 'I just want to plead guilty,'" said lawyer Mark Brayford.

"Mr. Sidhu advised me, 'I don't want to make things any worse.'"

Sentencing begins Jan. 28

The lawyer went on, stating that Sidhu is devastated by the grief he's caused the families.

"He's overwhelmed by the expressions of sympathy and kindness that some of the families and players have expressed to him, in spite of the fact that their grief is entirely his fault."

Judge Inez Cardinal said sentencing is scheduled to begin Jan. 28 in Melfort and will likely take three to five days to complete, due to the number of victim impact statements expected to be entered. Security screenings will be in place for everyone entering the building.

Scott Thomas lost his son Evan in the highway crash between a semi-trailer and the Humboldt Broncos team bus. 0:25

Tom Straschnitzki, bus crash survivor Ryan Straschnitzki's father, was relieved the case won't go to trial.

"He didn't set out that day to do this," Straschnitzki said. His son Ryan was paralyzed from the chest down in the crash.

"By him pleading guilty to save of us all from the trial shows a lot of remorse, because he also has to live with this for the rest of his life too."

Scott Thomas, father of crash victim and Humboldt Bronco player Evan Thomas, was relieved Sidhu pleaded guilty.

"It means a lot," he said. "To hear him use his own words to plead guilty was powerful."

Thomas has been present for many of Sidhu's court dates. On Tuesday, Thomas sat close to him in the courtroom.

"I felt him … no question," he said. "To be that close, my heart rate went up for sure."

Thomas said he wasn't concerned about the length of Sidhu's sentence.

Heart-wrenching

"If he spends 10 years, [that] time is irrelevant. He was guilty, and he acknowledged that."

Thomas would also like to see a permanent memorial set up at the crash site. Since the collision, many people have laid wreaths and other memorials at the site.

"Whatever they build there will be impressive and heart-wrenching," he said.

"I think it's going to be a place where people stop for eternity, because it's hallowed ground. Sixteen people were wiped off the face of the earth."

In a statement, the Humboldt Broncos hockey team said it was relieved Sidhu pleaded guilty and there would be no trial.

"I commend Mr. Sidhu for taking responsibility for his actions and sparing the survivors and the families the anguish and turmoil of rehashing this tragedy in court," said team president Jamie Brockman.

Rumble strips

The maximum punishment for the crimes is 14 years on each count of dangerous driving causing death and 10 years for each count of dangerous driving causing injury.

The crash occurred at the intersection of two busy highways. The Saskatchewan government has since pledged to install rumble strips, lights, signs and road markers in the area.

The accident made international headlines, and support for the junior hockey team poured in from around the world. A GoFundMe campaign raised $15 million that was eventually divided among victims and their families.

Sukhmander Singh, owner and director of Adesh Deol Trucking Ltd. and Sidhu's employer at the time of the crash, faces eight counts of failing to comply with various safety and log-keeping regulations.

Sidhu, who was not hurt, was released on $1,000 bail in July under conditions that he not drive and that he surrender his passport.</s>Semi-trailer driver in fatal Humboldt crash pleads guilty to all charges

Nine months after the tragic crash, Jaskirat Singh Sidhu has pleaded guilty to 16 counts of dangerous driving causing death and 13 counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm.

Nine months after the tragic crash, Jaskirat Singh Sidhu has pleaded guilty to 16 counts of dangerous driving causing death and 13 counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm. 5:42</s>MELFORT, Sask. – Jaskirat Singh Sidhu, the driver of the semi-truck involved in the Humboldt Broncos bus collision, today plead guilty to all 29 charges against him.

Sidhu, 29, was charged with 16 counts of dangerous driving causing death and 13 counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm.

Media reports indicate it could take up to five days before sentencing is announced, and the case was adjourned until Jan. 28.

Following the release of a study by McElhanney Consulting Services, which recommended 13 safety enhancements to the intersection where the incident took place, the judge for the case granted more time for Sidhu and his lawyer to enter a plea.

Sidhu, a Calgary resident, was arrested July 6 at his home. He was a driver for Calgary carrier Adesh Deol Trucking, of which the owner, Sukhmander Singh, faces eight charges of not complying with federal and provincial safety regulations.

Sidhu faces a maximum sentence of 14 years for dangerous driving causing death, and a max of 10 years for dangerous driving causing bodily harm.</s>The Alberta semi driver charged in the Humboldt Broncos’ bus collision last April has pleaded guilty to all 29 charges stemming from the highway tragedy.

Jaskirat Singh Sidhu, 29, was originally scheduled to appear Tuesday in Melfort provincial court for defence election. Instead, he entered guilty pleas to 16 counts of dangerous driving causing death and 13 counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm.

Sixteen people were killed and 13 were injured.</s>MELFORT, Saskatchewan (AP) - The truck driver involved in the deadly crash with a junior hockey team's bus last April has pleaded guilty to all charges.

Sixteen people died and 13 players were injured when Jaskirat Singh Sidhu's semi loaded with peat moss collided with the Humboldt Broncos' bus in rural Saskatchewan.

Sidhu was charged with 16 counts of dangerous driving causing death and 13 charges of dangerous driving causing bodily harm.

Lawyer Mark Brayford said outside court Tuesday that his client told him he doesn't "want to make things any worse" by going to trial. Sidhu was beside him with his head down.

A sentencing hearing is to begin Jan. 28. The maximum penalty for dangerous driving causing death is 14 years and 10 years for dangerous driving causing bodily harm.

Jaskirat Singh Sidhu leaves provincial court with his lawyer Mark Brayford, right, in Melfort, Saskatchewan, Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019. Sidhu, the driver of a transport truck involved in a bus crash that killed 16 people with the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team in Canada last year has has pleaded guilty to all charges against him. Sidhu was charged with 16 counts of dangerous driving causing death and 13 charges of dangerous driving causing bodily harm. (Kayle Neis/The Canadian Press via AP)

Jaskirat Singh Sidhu leaves provincial court with his lawyer Mark Brayford, right, in Melfort, Saskatchewan, Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019. Sidhu, the driver of a transport truck involved in a bus crash that killed 16 people with the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team in Canada last year has has pleaded guilty to all charges against him. Sidhu was charged with 16 counts of dangerous driving causing death and 13 charges of dangerous driving causing bodily harm. (Kayle Neis/The Canadian Press via AP)

Jaskirat Singh Sidhu, center, leaves provincial court in Melfort, Saskatchewan, Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019. Sidhu, the driver of a transport truck involved in a bus crash that killed 16 people with the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team in Canada last year has has pleaded guilty to all charges against him. Sidhu was charged with 16 counts of dangerous driving causing death and 13 charges of dangerous driving causing bodily harm. (Kayle Neis/The Canadian Press via AP)</s>The truck driver responsible for the April 2018 bus crash involving the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team has pleaded guilty to all charges, according to the Canadian Press.

On Tuesday, Jaskirat Singh Sidhu appeared in court and pleaded guilty to 16 counts of dangerous driving causing death and 13 counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm.

Sentencing may take up to five days. The case was adjourned until Jan. 28.

The crash happened on April 6th, 2018 when the Broncos were on their way to a playoff game in Nipawin, Saskatchewan and it left 16 people dead and 13 others injured.

Back in September, the team played in its first game since the crash and honored the victims in a postgame ceremony.</s>Sixteen people died and 13 players were injured when Jaskirat Singh Sidhu’s semi loaded with peat moss collided with the Humboldt Broncos’ bus in rural Saskatchewan.

Jaskirat Singh Sidhu leaves provincial court with his lawyer Mark Brayford, right, in Melfort, Saskatchewan, Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019. Sidhu, the driver of a transport truck involved in a bus crash that killed 16 people with the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team in Canada last year has has pleaded guilty to all charges against him. Sidhu was charged with 16 counts of dangerous driving causing death and 13 charges of dangerous driving causing bodily harm. (Kayle Neis/The Canadian Press via AP)

Jaskirat Singh Sidhu leaves provincial court with his lawyer Mark Brayford, right, in Melfort, Saskatchewan, Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019. Sidhu, the driver of a transport truck involved in a bus crash that killed 16 people with the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team in Canada last year has has pleaded guilty to all charges against him. Sidhu was charged with 16 counts of dangerous driving causing death and 13 charges of dangerous driving causing bodily harm. (Kayle Neis/The Canadian Press via AP)

MELFORT, Saskatchewan — The truck driver involved in the deadly crash with a junior hockey team’s bus last April has pleaded guilty to all charges.

Sixteen people died and 13 players were injured when Jaskirat Singh Sidhu’s semi loaded with peat moss collided with the Humboldt Broncos’ bus in rural Saskatchewan.

Sidhu was charged with 16 counts of dangerous driving causing death and 13 charges of dangerous driving causing bodily harm.

Lawyer Mark Brayford said outside court Tuesday that his client told him he doesn’t “want to make things any worse” by going to trial. Sidhu was beside him with his head down.

A sentencing hearing is to begin Jan. 28. The maximum penalty for dangerous driving causing death is 14 years and 10 years for dangerous driving causing bodily harm.</s>The driver of the truck that hit the bus carrying the Humboldt Broncos hockey team last April, killing 10 players and six others, pleaded guilty to 29 charges on Tuesday.

The driver, Jaskirat Singh Sidhu, entered his plea to 16 counts of dangerous driving causing death and 13 counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm in a Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, courtroom.

He is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 28 and faces up to 24 years in prison. His plea cancels his trial.

The crash occurred April 6, 2018, when the Humboldt Broncos were traveling to a playoff game. In addition to the 16 members of the team entourage who were killed, 13 players were injured. The Broncos are a junior hockey team of players ages 16 to 21.

Sidhu, 29, was arrested three months later at his home in Calgary.

His lawyer, Mark Brayford, spoke on his behalf as he left the courtroom. Brayford said Sidhu wanted survivors and the families of those who died to know “he’s devastated by the grief that he’s caused them.”

In a statement released Tuesday, the Broncos thanked Sidhu “for taking responsibility for his actions.”

“Mr. Sidhu’s guilty pleas are a positive step in the healing process for the survivors, grieving families, the team and our community,” Broncos president Jamie Brockman said. “I commend Mr. Sidhu for taking responsibility for his actions and sparing the survivors and the families the anguish and turmoil of rehashing this tragedy in court.

“I know Mr. Sidhu has also been deeply affected by this tragedy. His careless actions will haunt him for the rest of his life, and I’m sure it is a relief to move forward.”</s>MELFORT, Saskatchewan (AP) — The truck driver involved in the deadly crash with a junior hockey team's bus last April has pleaded guilty to all charges.

Sixteen people died and 13 players were injured when Jaskirat Singh Sidhu's semi loaded with peat moss collided with the Humboldt Broncos' bus in rural Saskatchewan.

Sidhu was charged with 16 counts of dangerous driving causing death and 13 charges of dangerous driving causing bodily harm.

Lawyer Mark Brayford said outside court Tuesday that his client told him he doesn't "want to make things any worse" by going to trial. Sidhu was beside him with his head down.

A sentencing hearing is to begin Jan. 28. The maximum penalty for dangerous driving causing death is 14 years and 10 years for dangerous driving causing bodily harm.
Jaskirat Sidhu, the driver involved in a fatal crash involving the Humboldt Broncos, pleads guilty to 29 charges against him, including 16 counts of dangerous operation of motorized vehicle causing death and 13 counts of dangerous operation of motor vehicle causing bodily injury.