Tragic Daycare Incident Sparks Call for Safety Changes

The Ontario government is looking to make changes to parking regulations outside child-care centers following a driver being charged in a deadly crash into a Richmond Hill daycare on Wednesday.

A man in his 70s was taken into custody near the First Roots Early Education Academy and faces one count of dangerous operation causing death, along with two counts of dangerous operation causing bodily harm.

Sadly, a one and a half-year-old boy lost his life, and six other children were hurt when a vehicle crashed into the daycare around 3 p. m. Wednesday.

As of Thursday, two children are still in critical condition, while the others suffered non-life-threatening injuries, according to police reports.

On Thursday night, Education Minister Paul Calandra posted on X, formerly Twitter, announcing that the government intends for operators and municipalities to ensure that parking spaces right next to entryways, windows, and external walls of classrooms or playgrounds at child-care facilities are restricted.

Calandra mentioned that child-care centers operating out of private residences would be exceptions.

He stated he has instructed his ministry to collaborate with service managers, inspectors, and service providers to identify “vulnerabilities” and take swift action before upcoming legislative updates.

“Our government will implement any necessary legislative or regulatory changes regarding municipal or landlord restrictions that currently hinder the installation of protective barriers like bollards, planters, elevated curbs, and other infrastructure aimed at safeguarding children and staff in these settings,” Calandra explained.

According to police information released during the investigation, there were 96 children present inside the building at the time of the incident.

Three adult staff members also sustained injuries.

Investigators indicated they do not suspect the crash was intentional but have yet to clarify what led up to this event during busy afternoon pickup hours.

WATCH | Crash not deliberate, police say:

Richmond Hill, Ont., daycare crash not believed to be deliberate, police say

A child has died while several others are injured after a car crashed into a daycare in Richmond Hill. Police confirmed at a news conference that an elderly man is now in custody. They emphasized that their investigation continues but they don’t consider it an intentional act.

The name of the suspect hasn’t been disclosed “to protect any victims or witnesses involved in this incident,” as stated by a York Regional Police spokesperson in an email sent to The Canadian Press.

The accused appeared in court Thursday morning where he was granted bail. One condition requires him not to operate any motor vehicle during this time.

A Hyundai electric vehicle was extracted from inside the building on Wednesday evening; it appeared mostly undamaged aside from its license plate hanging loose.

Community ‘devastated’ after fatal crash

The large window was boarded up with plywood early Thursday morning along with various pieces of lumber.

Beneath it lay some stuffed animals facing toward the parking lot. A sign reading “please slow down” remained attached nearby where the crash occurred.

Emirson Bekirovski shared how his daily routine involves dropping off his daughter at this daycare. But instead of bringing her on Thursday morning he brought flowers instead because she wasn’t able to attend due to recent events.

His four-year-old daughter has been enrolled there since she was just 18 months old; although she’s safe now he admits it’s been traumatic experiencing all this as her parent.

Richmond Hill residents dropped off flowers and stuffed animals after one child died and six others injured when a vehicle crashed into a daycare. (Meagan Fitzpatrick/CBC)

Bekirovski recounted how his wife picked up their daughter immediately after receiving urgent news Wednesday afternoon.

The family didn’t grasp what had happened until arriving at the scene filled with multiple police cars and helicopters circling overhead.

“We’re pretty traumatized at knowing this happened so close to home. This is our community,” he said. “We feel deeply for those families affected.”

Local mother Ruth Brainis expressed her devastation upon hearing about this accident as she laid flowers at memorial site on Thursday morning.

“When it’s kids involved; it strikes really hard,” she remarked about her feelings towards parents suffering through this situation. “I can’t imagine what they’re going through.”

Police block off First Roots Early Education Academy after a car drove through its window in Richmond Hill, Ont., on Wednesday. (Sammy Kogan/The Canadian Press)

Mothers were visibly shaken amid chaos following such terrible news reports Mayor David West noted during CBC Radio’s Metro Morning segment aired Thursday.

The mayor commented about how hard everyone’s coping post-incident adding he’ll reach out personally soon enough both families impacted directly plus other local parents affected too.

“Imagining what these people must be feeling right now is simply unfathomable-even today as we try processing everything that’s happened.”

“Our community stands strong together-we’ll support each other through tough times ahead.”

The car barreled into daycare from behind its property via parking lot according authorities who said investigations remain ongoing.

Police chief extends condolences to family that lost child

This past Thursday York Regional Police Chief Jim Mac Sween offered heartfelt condolences representing law enforcement concerning loss experienced by toddler’s family affected here today. “I can’t fathom pain young families endure,” he remarked expressing sorrowful empathy towards all involved. “At time collision took place childcare center operated normally housing both children employees present within rooms-many individuals suffered injuries.” “Thoughts remain focused towards everyone touched negatively throughout tragic occurrence,” he noted adding severe impacts linger across region felt well beyond initial scene too.” Mac Sween affirmed continuing efforts by investigators aiming determine sequence events accurately alongside collaborating victim services offering necessary assistance required amongst responders who participated responding promptly under duress faced then too.

Daycare ‘in state of shock’ following crash

This particular daycare expressed being “in state shock” shortly afterward issuing statement reflecting emotional toll taken within community affected extensively recently surrounding incident mentioned earlier today. “We’re heartbroken trying understand just occurred-but priority remains centered around supporting impacted families staff members involved directly.” The facility extended gratitude toward emergency crews aiding aftermath thanking public overall supportive response shown thus far requesting privacy needed while navigating extraordinarily challenging period ahead.”

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