York Regional Police report that a 70-year-old man is facing charges after a toddler lost his life when a vehicle crashed into the front of a daycare in Richmond Hill, Ont., on Wednesday afternoon.
In an update on Thursday, police stated that the driver has been charged with 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 died as a result of the incident, and two other children are currently in critical condition, according to police’s Thursday update.
In total, 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 in stable condition, police confirmed.
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![Click to play video: '18-month-old boy killed, 7 children injured after car crashes into Richmond Hill daycare']()
0:51 18-month-old boy killed, 7 children injured after car crashes into Richmond Hill daycare
Police mentioned that a man in his 70s was arrested at the scene but they believe this was simply 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.”
0:51 18-month-old boy killed, 7 children injured after car crashes into Richmond Hill daycare
Police mentioned that a man in his 70s was arrested at the scene but they believe this was simply 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.”
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Get daily Canada news delivered to your inbox so you’ll never miss the day’s top stories. All children and staff were accounted for, police said. 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 pulled from behind the shattered window of the daycare and loaded onto a tow truck on Wednesday evening. It showed little visible damage except for a dangling license plate and broken glass scattered on its hood. The following morning, large plywood sheets boarded up where the window used to be. Beneath it sat stuffed animals facing toward the parking lot along with bouquets of flowers, a mini basketball, and candles left by residents paying their respects. A sign reading “please slow down” remained posted next to where the crash happened. A collection of stuffed animals, flowers and letters were set up in front of the daycare. Megan King / More on Crime More videosCommunity Reacts Following Richmond Hill Daycare Crash
Emirson Bekirovski received an emergency message from his daughter’s daycare while he was at work asking him to pick her up immediately. Story continues below “My wife came and she was pretty traumatized to see allthe helicoptersandthepolicecars,” Bekirovski said , addingthatparents didnotgetmuchinformationas tow hatis happeningotherthaninstructionstobringtheir kidshome. “We’re obviously very happy that our daughter’swithusandsafe, butobviouslywe’reprettytraumatizedatthefactthishappenedso closetohome,”hesaid. Ruth Brainis, a local residentandmotheroftwosmallchildren , said shewas“devastated”andsicktoher stomachwhen she heardofth e crash. Brainis attendedthesiteon Thursdaymorningtopayherrespectsbylayingflowersfortheaffectedfamilies. “When it’schildren , it hits reallyhard,” shesaid.“Ican’timagine thesufferingthese poorparentsare goingthrough. I don’twishitonanybody.” Hava Jouharchi hasbeenaresidentof Richmond Hillformorethan25yearsandsaid shedidn’tknowwhatto thinkwhen sheheardaboutthecrashatdaycare herchildrenonceattended.“My sonwasjustpassingbyhere liketenminutesbeforeit happened, andso that’show Ifoundout.” Jouhar chi said.
“Wedon’thaveanythinglikethishappenand Iwasjustshocked.”
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