Tragic Crash Claims Toddler’s Life at Ontario Daycare

York Regional Police report that a 70-year-old man has been charged after a toddler was killed when his vehicle crashed into the front of a daycare in Richmond Hill, Ont., on Wednesday afternoon.

In a Thursday update, police announced that the driver is now facing charges for dangerous operation causing death and two counts of dangerous operation causing bodily harm.

On Wednesday, around 3 p. m., a car drove through the storefront window of the child care center located near Yonge Street and Nottingham Drive, hitting several staff members and young children.

A one-and-a-half-year-old boy lost his life, while two other children remain in critical condition, according to the police update from Thursday.

Overall, seven children aged between one-and-a-half and three were struck by the vehicle. Three staff members also sustained injuries. The other victims are reported to be in stable condition, as stated by police.

Story continues below

0:51 18-month-old boy killed, 7 children injured after car crashes into Richmond Hill daycare

Police indicated that a man in his 70s was arrested at the scene but currently believe that this incident was an unfortunate accident.

“Information right now has led us to determine this was not a deliberate act,” Const. Kevin Nebrija said on Wednesday.

“The vehicle was in the parking lot at the time and, for reasons unknown, drove through the front of the window. We can appreciate that this is a very alarming call for parents to receive.”

Get daily National news

Get the day’s top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines delivered to your inbox once a day.

All children and staff were accounted for during police checks.

Police at the scene after a vehicle drove into a Richmond Hill, Ont. daycare. Sean O’Shea /

“My thoughts are with the children, employees and families impacted by this devastating incident. No family should have to deal with a tragedy like this,” said York Regional Police chief Jim Mac Sween.

Story continues below

A Hyundai electric vehicle was removed from inside the broken window of the daycare and loaded onto a tow truck on Wednesday evening. It showed minimal visible damage aside from a dangling license plate and shattered glass on its hood.

The following morning saw large windows boarded up with plywood and lumber pieces.

Beneath it lay stuffed animals facing towards the parking lot. Residents had also left flowers bouquets along with candles nearby as well as mini basketballs.

A sign reading “please slow down” remained fixed next to where the crash occurred.

A collection of stuffed animals flowers and letters were set up in front of the daycare. Megan King /

Trending Now

rcmp report says Bishnoi gang ‘acting on behalf of’ Indian government

Group of DOJ lawyers quit amid fallout from Renee Good killing in Minneapolis

Reaction pours in after Richmond Hill daycare crash

Emirson Bekirovski was working when he received an emergency message from his daughter’s daycare requiring him to pick her up.

Story continues below

“My wife came and she was pretty traumatized to see all those helicopters and police cars,” Bekirovski mentioned. He added that parents weren’t given much information about what happened apart from instructions to retrieve their kids.

“We’re obviously very happy that our daughter’s with us safe but obviously we’re pretty traumatized at how close this happened,” he expressed.

Ruth Brainis lives locally with her two small kids; she said she felt “devastated,” experiencing nausea upon hearing about what happened.

More on Crime

Brainis visited where it took place on Thursday morning bringing flowers while paying respect towards affected families.

“When it’s children involved it hits really hard,” she reflected sadly. “I can’t imagine what these poor parents must be going through; I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone.”

Hava Jouharchi has lived in Richmond Hill for more than twenty-five years; she shared her shock over hearing about something so tragic happening at her children’s former daycare.

“My son just passed here about ten minutes before it happened; that’s how I found out,” Jouharchi recounted.

“We usually don’t have incidents like this here so I’m just shocked.”

 

– with files from Isaac Callan & The Canadian Press

 
&copy 2025 , a divisionof Corus Entertainment Inc.

Source link