Police respond to the scene where an SUV crashed into a daycare, resulting in the death of a 1 1/2-year-old boy in Richmond Hill, Ont. on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sharif Hassan
A toddler lost his life after an SUV drove through the window of a Richmond Hill daycare just before pickup time on Wednesday afternoon.
York Regional Police confirmed that the boy was only 1 1/2 years old. In addition to him, six other children aged between 18 months and three years were injured in the accident and taken to hospital. One child remained in critical condition hours later.
During a news conference, police mentioned that three staff members also sustained injuries at the daycare located near Yonge Street and Nottingham Drive.
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Const. Kevin Nebrija stated that a driver in his 70s was arrested at the scene and authorities do not suspect it was intentional.
“As you can imagine, this was a very chaotic scene. I can tell you that the initial information suggests the vehicle was in the parking lot at the time, and for reasons unknown, drove through the front of the window,” he said.
“We can appreciate that this is a very alarming call for parents to receive and to attend at the end of their day.”
He confirmed that all children had been accounted for and parents were informed.
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At dusk at the scene, small blue and green chairs were visible beyond jagged fragments of shattered glass from a completely broken front window. Around a dozen police cruisers filled up the parking lot.
As daylight began to fade away, fire trucks arrived while firefighters entered into the building with drilling sounds echoing nearby.
Firefighters managed to pull out a full-size Hyundai electric vehicle from inside onto a tow truck as night approached. The car appeared largely undamaged; however, its front license plate dangled awkwardly while glass shards littered its hood.
Nebrija noted that there were 96 children present across multiple rooms when the crash occurred.
“Our investigators are on scene collecting evidence and reviewing events leading up to how far into the building (the vehicle) went,” he stated.
The local community expressed shock over what happened afterward.
Farrokh Zandi lives across from the daycare and said he stepped outside upon seeing news reports about what had transpired online.
“I just came out to see these police cars and then I was listening to news while watching what was happening out in front (of me),” he remarked, calling it “very tragic.”
Zandi added he always considered this area safe but found it “very scary” such an incident could occur here.
“I am sure these parents must be going through hell,” he shared further.
Faati Tabatabaei mentioned one child from her daycare arrived with their family while picking up another sibling from her nearby after-school program where she works.
The child had visible scratches and appeared frightened according to her description.
“I am scared too because I don’t know what happened exactly; it’s like you don’t feel safe,” she explained.
Richmond Hill Mayor David West visited where it happened calling it “unimaginable.”
“It is hard to get your head around a tragedy like this,” he commented further adding “it was shocking.”
West expressed intentions about speaking with victim’s family when appropriate timing arises.
“This is definitely my worst day since becoming mayor; it’s been incredibly tragic here today within our city.”
The event stirred difficult memories for Laval’s mayor situated near Montreal where previously two children lost their lives due similar circumstances involving bus collision back during year ’23 which left others injured as well resulting driver declared not criminally responsible earlier this year by Quebec Superior Court judge ruling.
“My thoughts go towards affected kids’, families’ educators within Ontario alongside whole Richmond Hill community” wrote Mayor Stéphane Boyer posting online message noting “in Laval we sadly understand deeply how tragedies impact communities leaving lasting scars.”
York Regional Police Chief Jim Mac Sween posted expressing sentiments “no family should have deal with tragedies like this.”
Mac Sween assured continued investigations ongoing along support provided toward victims as well responding officers involved throughout event unfolding.
Ontario Education Minister Paul Calandra voiced concerns separately asserting distress regarding unfortunate occurrence urging sympathies directed everyone impacted.
Yonge Street experienced closure occurring between Gamble Road Brookside Road asking drivers avoid vicinity during investigation conducted thoroughly.
This report by The Canadian Press first Sept. 10 ,2025.
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