After five children lost their lives and several family members were hurt in a collision involving a van and an SUV near Elmira, Ont., on Friday, community members are stepping up to offer support.
Authorities haven’t disclosed the names of those involved in the crash. However, on Monday, spoke with Nancy Doerksen, the second oldest daughter who wasn’t present in the van during the incident.
Doerksen didn’t wish to give an interview but allowed to use a wedding photo featuring her and her husband Henry. The image includes their entire family, including the four girls and one boy who tragically passed away, and is part of a fundraising effort launched online by Doerksen.
“My family is living through a tragedy that no one should ever have to face,” she states on the Go Fund Me page created Sunday that had garnered over $150,000 by Monday evening.
“In a devastating accident, we lost five precious children who were deeply loved by all of us.”
The accident took place at the intersection of 4th Line and Wellington Road 12 in Mapleton Township, located northwest of Kitchener. Police reported that the children were aged four, six, eight, ten, and twelve years old.
Ontario Provincial Police Const. Matthew Burton confirmed to that there were ten family members in the passenger van: two adults, two older adults, five children, and one infant-all from the Elmira area. The driver of the SUV was alone in their vehicle and suffered critical injuries.
“Out of respect for the privacy of the family, we won’t be releasing the names of the victims involved in this occurrence but know that once more information becomes available, we will be releasing an update with additional details,” he stated via email.
WATCH | Ontario community grieves death of 5 children involved in collision:
Ontario community grieves death of 5 children involved in collision | Hanomansing Tonight
Residents from Elmira are mourning after five kids died following a collision between a passenger van and an SUV near Kitchener. Woolwich Township Mayor Sandy Shantz shares her thoughts on how this event has impacted their community.
Doerksen mentions on her fundraising page that her mother was badly injured and remains hospitalized “suffering from multiple injuries including injuries to her kidney, liver, gallbladder broken ribs and pelvic bone along with extensive bruising and trauma.”
The infant-“our youngest brother”-is also receiving care at a hospital she adds.
“We have created this fundraiser to help ease the financial burden facing our family including funeral expenses travel costs lost income and many unexpected needs stemming from such tragic loss.”
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Ontario community grieves death of 5 children involved in collision | Hanomansing Tonight
Residents from Elmira are mourning after five kids died following a collision between a passenger van and an SUV near Kitchener. Woolwich Township Mayor Sandy Shantz shares her thoughts on how this event has impacted their community.
Doerksen mentions on her fundraising page that her mother was badly injured and remains hospitalized “suffering from multiple injuries including injuries to her kidney, liver, gallbladder broken ribs and pelvic bone along with extensive bruising and trauma.”
The infant-“our youngest brother”-is also receiving care at a hospital she adds.
“We have created this fundraiser to help ease the financial burden facing our family including funeral expenses travel costs lost income and many unexpected needs stemming from such tragic loss.”
Mayor expresses community’s concern
LISTEN | Woolwich mayor on fatal crash that killed 5 children: The Morning Edition – K-W5:39Woolwich mayor on fatal crash that claimed the lives of 5 children A heartbreaking event unfolded on a rural road between Elmira and Mapleton Friday night when five kids lost their lives due to a two-vehicle collision. Woolwich Mayor Sandy Shantz elaborates on how this tragedy has affected their mourning community. Sandy Shantz-the mayor where Elmira is situated-said she felt shocked and saddened upon hearing about this incident. “A tragedy like this makes you mourn for five young lives that never got to grow up fully,” Shantz expressed. “There’s been an overwhelming sense of grief surrounding this tragedy as well as deep concern for those affected,” she noted while adding many residents care about both families’ welfare along with friends connected to those involved. Shantz mentioned Elmira has around 12 thousand residents most being religious especially Mennonite individuals. She added how diverse denominations comprise their town-and during times like these-they come together strongly providing support. “I believe everyone unites around them.. faith can grant them strength needed.”Source link
