Police attend the scene where an SUV crashed into a daycare killing a 1 1/2-year-old child in Richmond Hill, Ont. on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sharif Hassan
A young child lost his life after an SUV crashed through the window of a Richmond Hill daycare just before pickup time on Wednesday afternoon.
York Regional Police reported that the boy was only 1 1/2 years old. Six other children, aged between 18 months and three years old, were also hurt in the incident and taken to the hospital. One of them remained in critical condition hours later.
During a news conference, police confirmed that three staff members were injured 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 foul play.
“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 mentioned that all children had been accounted for and their parents were notified.
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At the scene in the early evening, small blue and green chairs could be seen beyond the jagged edges of a completely shattered front window. About a dozen police cruisers lined up in the parking lot.
As daylight began to fade away, fire trucks arrived while firefighters entered the building. A drilling sound echoed around them.
The firefighters assisted in removing a full-size Hyundai electric vehicle from inside onto a tow truck as dusk settled in. The vehicle appeared mostly undamaged except for its front license plate hanging askew and some glass shards scattered across its hood.
Nebrija noted that there were 96 children present across several rooms when this happened.
“Our investigators are on scene collecting evidence and going through what happened to determine exactly how far into the building (the vehicle) went,” he said.
Neighbors were left shocked by what took place.
Farrokh Zandi lives across from the daycare; he went outside after seeing reports online about what had occurred.
“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 said while adding it felt “very tragic.”
Zandi mentioned he usually thinks of his neighborhood as safe but found it “very scary” that something like this could happen nearby.
“I am sure these parents must be going through hell,” he added.
Faati Tabatabaei shared her concern too; one child from daycare came with their family to pick up another sibling from her nearby after-school program where she works.
The child had a scratch but looked frightened.
“I am scared too because I don’t know what happened exactly; it feels like you don’t feel safe,” she expressed.
Richmond Hill Mayor David West visited where it all unfolded calling it “unimaginable.”
“It is hard to get your head around a tragedy like this,” he remarked while describing it as shocking.
West indicated he’ll reach out to support family members when appropriate.
“This is definitely my worst day ever serving as mayor; it’s been such a tragic horrible event here within our city.”
The crash reminded him of painful memories tied back home-specifically recalling an incident involving Laval’s public transit crashing into another daycare back in 2023 which led sadly toward two deaths alongside six injuries.
Mayor StĂ©phane Boyer extended thoughts towards affected families saying “My thoughts are with children along with families & educators impacted throughout Ontario,” posting sentiments online noting how devastation similarly scars communities akin towards Laval’s experience.
York Regional Police Chief Jim Mac Sween shared sentiments via social media stating “no family should have deal with tragedies like these.”
He added they would continue investigating everything surrounding event whilst providing assistance both victims involved plus responding officers.
Ontario Education Minister Paul Calandra separately expressed deep concerns regarding tragedy occurring hoping everyone directly affected finds peace moving forward.
Authorities closed Yonge Street between Gamble Road leading down Brookside Road requesting drivers steer clear amidst ongoing investigations taking place within area.
This report by The Canadian Press was first Sept.10 ,2025.
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