The Ontario government is putting forward new plans to enhance safety at child-care centers, while a man faces charges for dangerous driving after an SUV crashed into a daycare north of Toronto, resulting in the death of a toddler and injuries to six other children.
Three staff members were also injured in the accident on Wednesday at First Roots Early Education Academy in Richmond Hill, Ont.
The young boy who lost his life was just 1 1/2 years old, according to police. The other children, aged 18 months to three years, were taken to the hospital with various injuries. As of Thursday afternoon, police reported that two of them remained in critical condition.
Education Minister Paul Calandra stated that the government plans to require operators and municipalities to avoid using parking spaces directly next to entrances, windows, and outside walls of classrooms or playgrounds at child-care facilities.
Calandra mentioned that accessible parking spots and home-based child-care services would be exceptions to this rule.
He added that he has instructed his ministry to collaborate with service managers, inspectors, and providers to pinpoint “vulnerabilities” that need addressing before upcoming legislative changes.
“Our government will implement any necessary legislative or regulatory adjustments regarding municipal or landlord regulations that currently hinder the installation of protective barriers like bollards, planters, elevated curbs, and other physical infrastructure designed to safeguard children and workers in these environments,” Calandra said in a social media statement.
The First Roots Early Education Academy expressed they were “in a state of shock” following the incident.
“We wish to share our gratitude for the outpouring of support and sympathy and want to thank the emergency services personnel who assisted the affected children and their families, as well as our staff members,” it stated on social media.
“We ask that our community be given privacy to grieve and recover during this unimaginably difficult time.”
Vinay Kumar Gupta, arrested at the crash site in Richmond Hill, is facing one count of dangerous operation causing death along with two counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm. The 70-year-old was granted bail after making a brief court appearance on Thursday.
In a statement issued Thursday afternoon, York Regional Police Chief Jim Mac Sween said “at this time, there is no reason to believe the collision was deliberate.” He described it as a “devastating” and “traumatic” event that would resonate throughout the region.
Investigators noted shortly after the crash on Wednesday that it did not appear intentional. Police confirmed Gupta was alone in his vehicle; however, they have yet to specify what may have led up to this incident during pickup hours.
A news release from police on Thursday indicated they were still collecting evidence and additional charges could be forthcoming. They urged anyone with footage from the area to come forward.
A judge in Newmarket court issued a publication ban on Thursday covering information shared during Gupta’s bail hearing.
He was released on $25,000 bail under conditions such as living with surety supervision, not operating any vehicles, and not having access to vehicle keys.
A Hyundai electric car was pulled from through the shattered window of the daycare and loaded onto a tow truck Wednesday evening. It showed minimal visible damage apart from a dangling license plate and broken glass scattered across its hood.
The large window had plywood boarding placed over it by Thursday morning along with pieces of lumber.
Beneath it lay stuffed animals facing towards the parking lot. Residents also left bouquets of flowers along with a mini basketball and candle.
A sign reading “please slow down” remained attached next to where the crash occurred.
Emirson Bekirovski received an emergency message from daycare about needing him for picking up his four-year-old daughter while he was at work.
“My wife came over here pretty traumatized seeing all those helicopters and police cars,” Bekirovski recounted while noting parents weren’t given much information except instructions for picking up their kids immediately.
Police confirmed there were 96 kids spread across multiple rooms at when everything happened during pickup time at day care center.
“We’re obviously very happy that our daughter’s safe with us but obviously we’re pretty traumatized by how close this happened,” said Bekirovski.
“We’re obviously very happy that our daughter’s safe with us but obviously we’re pretty traumatized by how close this happened,” said Bekirovski.
Ruth Brainis – local resident & mother – felt “devastated” upon learning about what took place.
Brainis went there early morning afterwards dropping off flowers for mourning families she extended condolences too saying “When it’s kids involved it hits really hard. I can’t imagine what these parents are going through.” Hava Jouharchi has lived nearby Richmond Hill more than 25 years admitted feeling perplexed learning her children’s previous school endured tragedy. “My son passed right around here maybe ten minutes prior.. so that’s how I found out.” She exclaimed horrified saying such things don’t happen here usually before expressing shock overall. Families kept visiting throughout day offering tribute items including flowers stuffed animals alongside taking their little ones joining them – One father carried daughter whilst mum laid bouquet. Gupta’s next court date set Oct 16th. This report by Canadian Press originally Sept 11th ,2025. Maan Alhmidi & Vanessa Tiberio – Canadian Press..
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Brainis went there early morning afterwards dropping off flowers for mourning families she extended condolences too saying “When it’s kids involved it hits really hard. I can’t imagine what these parents are going through.” Hava Jouharchi has lived nearby Richmond Hill more than 25 years admitted feeling perplexed learning her children’s previous school endured tragedy. “My son passed right around here maybe ten minutes prior.. so that’s how I found out.” She exclaimed horrified saying such things don’t happen here usually before expressing shock overall. Families kept visiting throughout day offering tribute items including flowers stuffed animals alongside taking their little ones joining them – One father carried daughter whilst mum laid bouquet. Gupta’s next court date set Oct 16th. This report by Canadian Press originally Sept 11th ,2025. Maan Alhmidi & Vanessa Tiberio – Canadian Press..
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