Six people are still hospitalized after a crash in rural Ontario that took the lives of five kids on Friday, according to police.
Authorities report that an infant, the children’s parents, and two older adults who are thought to be their grandparents were among those injured when a van carrying 10 people collided with an SUV.
The Ontario Provincial Police stated that the four girls and one boy who lost their lives were aged 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12. The driver of the SUV, who was alone in the vehicle, suffered critical injuries.
A family member shared on Sunday that they couldn’t provide more details while they handle funeral arrangements and care for those still in the hospital.
As the rural community grapples with this tragedy, police are gearing up for a new safety initiative.
The OPP’s “Stop, Look, Live” awareness campaign will take place next week to focus on the hazards at intersections.
This initiative was planned well before the tragic incident in Mapleton Township, which OPP media relations officer Derek Rogers described as a “tragic coincidence” in an email statement.
From 2021 to 2025, nearly 5,000 motor vehicle accidents were reported; around a quarter of them involved intersections, according to OPP data.
Police mentioned they couldn’t comment yet on specifics regarding this collision or whether seatbelts were being used properly. It may take days or even weeks before more information is available.
“This is an unimaginable loss,” OPP Superintendent Dwight Thib told reporters at police headquarters in Fergus, Ont., on Saturday. He also expressed gratitude toward the “Good Samaritans” who assisted first responders and noted that victims received “immediate care” at the scene.
Gregg Davidson, mayor of Mapleton Township, stated he doesn’t know if any victims lived locally yet.
“Our hearts go out to the family members involved and to friends of the family,” Davidson said. “So many deceased in this one crash.”
The mayor indicated there are resources available for volunteer firefighters and other first responders present during this incident.
“It’s certainly not something you would want to come up upon,” Davidson remarked.
“Our community is strong and resilient,” he added. “We’ll respond with kindness and love like we always do.”
In a social media post, Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed his condolences for everyone affected by this tragedy along with their families and loved ones.
“This heartbreaking loss is being felt across the community and throughout the entire province,” Ford said while urging residents to come together following such a tragic event.
Officials confirmed that investigations are ongoing to uncover all circumstances surrounding the crash but could not discuss specific details about seatbelt use just yet.
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