A community is grieving after five children lost their lives in a tragic accident. CTV’s Krista Simpson and Jeff Pickel have the details.
Mourners have left flowers and stuffed animals at the site of a devastating crash that claimed the lives of five young siblings in southwestern Ontario.
The children were riding with several other family members when their van collided with an SUV at the intersection of 4th Line and Wellington Road 12 in Mapleton Township, located north of Waterloo.
The ages of the children were 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12.
Five children killed Mapleton Township crash June 13, 2026 A heavily damaged vehicle was photographed in Mapleton Township, north of Kitchener, Ont., on June 13, 2026, following a deadly crash the night before. (Alexandra Holyk/)
Their parents, grandmother, a younger sibling just 15 months old, and another relative were also inside the van. The mother suffered critical injuries and was hospitalized while the father’s condition is stable. The infant was also injured.
Tow trucks carrying wrecked vehicles leave the scene of a deadly two-car collision in Mapleton Township, northwest of Kitchener, Ont. on Saturday, June 13, 2026. Five children were killed and six people were injured in the crash. THE CANADIAN PRESS/I.. Tow trucks carrying wrecked vehicles leave the scene of a deadly two-car collision in Mapleton Township, northwest of Kitchener, Ont., on Saturday, June 13, 2026. Five children were killed and six people were injured in the crash. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ian Stewart
Authorities reported that this family resided in Elmira.
The driver of the SUV was taken to hospital as well due to suffering two broken legs.
Investigations are ongoing to determine what caused this tragic accident.
“Several members of the public were on scene to try to provide assistance until first responders arrived,” Ontario Provincial Police Const. Matthew Burton said on Monday. “We want to thank the public for their assistance.”
He encouraged anyone who saw what happened to contact police.
Burton mentioned that investigators would be talking with adults involved later.
“We’re going to give them some time and space to recover, and then we’re going to revisit that-to be able to speak to them. What did they see?”
Meanwhile, first responders are also facing challenges processing what transpired that day. At least seven volunteer firefighters from Mapleton Township responded to this incident.
“First and foremost, we just want to make sure that the family involved is being taken care of and that everybody is focused on them,” Tri Fire Services Director and Fire Chief Chris Harrow explained. “What we do will come afterwards and we’ll take care of our people.”
Mapleton Township crash multiple fatalities June 12, 2026 Ontario Provincial Police officers remained at the scene of a deadly crash in Mapleton Township, Ont., on June 13, 2026. (Alexandra Holyk/)
mapleton township 4th line wellington road 12 crash collision fatal Flowers and stuffed animals left at the scene of a crash that killed five children in Mapleton Township, Ont., on June 15, 2026. (Krista Simpson/)
Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his condolences via social media: “My thoughts are with the family and their loved ones as they face this horrific tragedy, and with those from Elmira and Mapleton. I offer my sincere thanks to first responders for their swift action and support of those who were injured.”
mapleton township 4th line wellington road 12 crash collision fatal Flowers and stuffed animals left at the scene of a crash that killed five children in mapleton township , ont. , on june ,15 ,2026.(Krista Simpson /)
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Tow trucks carrying wrecked vehicles leave the scene of a deadly two-car collision in Mapleton Township, northwest of Kitchener, Ont. on Saturday, June 13, 2026. Five children were killed and six people were injured in the crash. THE CANADIAN PRESS/I.. Tow trucks carrying wrecked vehicles leave the scene of a deadly two-car collision in Mapleton Township, northwest of Kitchener, Ont., on Saturday, June 13, 2026. Five children were killed and six people were injured in the crash. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ian Stewart
Authorities reported that this family resided in Elmira.
The driver of the SUV was taken to hospital as well due to suffering two broken legs.
Investigations are ongoing to determine what caused this tragic accident.
“Several members of the public were on scene to try to provide assistance until first responders arrived,” Ontario Provincial Police Const. Matthew Burton said on Monday. “We want to thank the public for their assistance.”
He encouraged anyone who saw what happened to contact police.
Burton mentioned that investigators would be talking with adults involved later.
“We’re going to give them some time and space to recover, and then we’re going to revisit that-to be able to speak to them. What did they see?”
Meanwhile, first responders are also facing challenges processing what transpired that day. At least seven volunteer firefighters from Mapleton Township responded to this incident.
“First and foremost, we just want to make sure that the family involved is being taken care of and that everybody is focused on them,” Tri Fire Services Director and Fire Chief Chris Harrow explained. “What we do will come afterwards and we’ll take care of our people.”
Mapleton Township crash multiple fatalities June 12, 2026 Ontario Provincial Police officers remained at the scene of a deadly crash in Mapleton Township, Ont., on June 13, 2026. (Alexandra Holyk/)
‘Our community is heartbroken’
Messages of condolence are pouring in from local residents as well as politicians at both local and federal levels. Stuffed animals and flowers have been placed where grass was torn up by the impact during this tragic event.mapleton township 4th line wellington road 12 crash collision fatal Flowers and stuffed animals left at the scene of a crash that killed five children in Mapleton Township, Ont., on June 15, 2026. (Krista Simpson/)
Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his condolences via social media: “My thoughts are with the family and their loved ones as they face this horrific tragedy, and with those from Elmira and Mapleton. I offer my sincere thanks to first responders for their swift action and support of those who were injured.”Those sentiments resonated with Ontario Premier Doug Ford who stated: “My thoughts are with families and loved ones of those kids who died in yesterday’s traffic collision which occurred in mapleton township , and also with those currently receiving care at hospitals.”
Sandy Shantz , mayor of nearby woolwich township , offered her condolences through an online statement. “Our community is heartbroken by the tragic loss inflicted upon us by Friday’s accident,” Shantz shared. “Our thoughts and prayers are with their family , friends along with everyone affected by such unimaginable tragedy. As our community mourns , please respect families’ privacy so they can grieve during these hard times.”Source link
