Five children lost their lives and several others were hurt in a two-vehicle accident in rural Ontario, according to the Ontario Provincial Police.
The OPP reported that the crash took place around 7:30 p. m. on Friday evening in Mapleton Township, at the intersection of 4th Line and Wellington Road 12. This location is about 35 kilometres northwest of Kitchener-Waterloo.
A total of 11 individuals were involved in the accident, said Dwight Thib, commander for the OPP West Region, during a news conference on Saturday.
A passenger van carrying ten people collided with one person driving a sport utility vehicle at the intersection, Thib explained.
In this tragic incident, four girls and one boy died, Thib noted. The ages of the children ranged from four to twelve years old as per the OPP’s information. They were all part of the same family.
The affected family resides in Elmira, according to OPP. This township is located about 37 kilometres south of where the crash occurred, between Mapleton and Kitchener-Waterloo.
“This is an unimaginable loss,” Thib said. “On behalf of the Ontario Provincial Police, I extend our deepest condolences to the families, loved ones and the community during this incredibly difficult time.”
An infant along with four adults from the van suffered serious injuries, as did the driver of the SUV. All are currently hospitalized.
WATCH | OPP provide update on fatal crash near Kitchener-Waterloo:
‘Unimaginable loss’ after 5 children killed in rural Ontario crash: police
Five children aged between four and twelve have died following a two-vehicle collision on Friday evening in Mapleton Township, which is northwest of Kitchener, Ont. An infant is among six individuals now hospitalized with serious injuries, according to OPP Supt. Dwight Thib who spoke with reporters.
At least three people had to be airlifted to various trauma centers while others were quickly taken to nearby hospitals.
They went to different hospitals due to how “chaotic” things were following the collision, stated OPP Const. Matthew Burton.
The OPP Traffic Incident Management Enforcement team has been brought in; traffic will be diverted around that area while investigations are ongoing.
The intersection will remain closed for most of Saturday as officers have indicated.
No further details will be released by police as they continue their investigation.
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‘Unimaginable loss’ after 5 children killed in rural Ontario crash: police
Five children aged between four and twelve have died following a two-vehicle collision on Friday evening in Mapleton Township, which is northwest of Kitchener, Ont. An infant is among six individuals now hospitalized with serious injuries, according to OPP Supt. Dwight Thib who spoke with reporters.
At least three people had to be airlifted to various trauma centers while others were quickly taken to nearby hospitals.
They went to different hospitals due to how “chaotic” things were following the collision, stated OPP Const. Matthew Burton.
The OPP Traffic Incident Management Enforcement team has been brought in; traffic will be diverted around that area while investigations are ongoing.
The intersection will remain closed for most of Saturday as officers have indicated.
No further details will be released by police as they continue their investigation.
Community Grieves Together After Loss
Gregg Davidson, mayor of Mapleton Township described this accident as “devastating.” He mentioned that this road plays a significant role in connecting communities and sees plenty of traffic from people heading toward their cottages. He noted that it’s typically flat terrain and that intersection usually doesn’t pose problems. The incident happened in Mapleton Township which lies northwest of Kitchener-Waterloo:Davidson remarked how closely-knit communities like Mapleton and Elmira are since they are “right next door” to each other.
“[Community members] are family people; they’re loving people. They will support each other as much as possible at all times,” Davidson shared with . Chris Harrow, fire chief for Mapleton expressed that many families have roots going back generations in their small farming town so such losses resonate deeply within it. “It does take a toll on a whole community because it’s small and people look after each other here,” he said while offering condolences on behalf of his department towards those affected by this tragedy. “It’s just a horrific day; we hope they find strength during such tough times,” he added. This past Saturday morning Premier Doug Ford extended his thoughts via social media towards those currently hospitalized along with families grieving over their losses. “This heartbreaking loss is being felt across the community and throughout our province,” he stated.Source link
