N.B. Public Safety to review motor vehicle inspection system

New Brunswick's Public Safety Department announced on Tuesday that it will be reviewing the province's motor vehicle inspection system following the release of an RCMP report into a tragic highway accident.

An RCMP report, released on Tuesday, indicated a van involved in an accident that killed seven members of the Bathurst High School basketball team and a local teacher, would not have passed a provincial motor vehicle inspection in its pre-collision condition.

The collision reconstructionist's report said the 15-seat 1997 Ford Econoline F350 Club Wagon had worn tires, faulty brakes and a rusting body at the time of the accident.

The vehicle had last passed a motor vehicle inspection on Oct. 29. The collision occurred on Jan. 12 while the school van struck a tractor-trailer on Highway 8 in winter conditions while returning to Bathurst after a night game in Moncton.

Public safety department spokesperson Chrystiane Mallaley said the registrar of motor vehicles will look at the frequency of inspections and the program standards.

"Clearly, the RCMP investigation has raised some questions about whether there might be opportunities to improve the motor vehicle inspection program," Mallaley said.

The Maritime provinces require annual motor vehicle inspections.