Tragic Daycare Incident Claims Child’s Life in Richmond Hill

A one and a half-year-old boy has died, and six other children sustained injuries after a vehicle crashed into a daycare in Richmond Hill, Ont., on Wednesday, according to police.

The child who lost his life was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Among the six injured children, one is hospitalized with serious injuries while the others, along with three staff members, are in stable condition. The ages of the affected children range from one and a half to three years old.

York Regional Police reported that a man in his 70s was arrested at the scene.

On Thursday morning, police stated that charges have been laid against the man for dangerous operation causing death and dangerous operation causing bodily harm related to this incident.

“We are still determining the sequence of events; however information right now has led us to conclude that this was not an intentional act,” Const. Kevin Nebrija told reporters near the scene on Wednesday.

The crash occurred around 3 p. m. at First Roots Early Education Academy located near Yonge Street and Nottingham Drive, south of Gamble Road. The daycare was operational at that time.

Nebrija mentioned that there were 96 children present across multiple rooms when the crash took place.

“Our investigators are on scene collecting evidence and reviewing what happened to find out how far into the building it (the vehicle) went,” he said.

All children have been accounted for, and all parents have been informed, police confirmed.

‘A very chaotic scene,’ police say

According to Nebrija, an SUV was parked before crashing through a front window of the daycare “for reasons unknown.”

“As you can imagine, this was a very chaotic scene,” Nebrija stated. “We understand that this was alarming news for parents as they received calls towards the end of their day.”

WATCH | Police say officers still trying to determine what happened:

Richmond Hill, Ont., daycare crash not believed to be deliberate, police say

A child has died and several others were hurt after a vehicle drove into a daycare in Richmond Hill, Ont., on Wednesday; police shared during a news conference. They indicated that their investigation continues but do not think it was intentional.

York Regional Police Chief Jim Mac Sween expressed in a post on X, previously Twitter, that they are investigating while providing support for victims as well as responding officers.

“My thoughts are with the children, employees and families affected by this tragic incident. No family should ever face something like this,” Mac Sween remarked.

In an Instagram statement from First Roots Early Education Academy expressed their heartbreak over “the tragic incident at our center,” offering condolences to families during such difficult times.

Incident ‘terribly shocking,’ mayor says

Richmond Hill Mayor David West described the incident as “unimaginable” and “terribly shocking.” He extended condolences to those who lost their child on Wednesday as well as those whose kids got injured.

Richmond Hill Mayor David West says: ‘We certainly are a strong and resilient community, but this is the kind of thing that really shakes us to the core.’ (Idil Mussa/CBC)

“We certainly are a strong and resilient community but incidents like these really shake us deeply,” West said.

“It’s crucial we come together during times like these. This is something no community or parent wants or should ever experience.”

PParent Ramin Esmaeili shared his shock when he learned about it since his wife had gone there to enroll their kids for daycare services.

“It’s incredibly sad. We have kids ourselves; my wife planned on visiting today.” Esmaeili stated. “It’s hard to believe.”

Ontario Minister Paul Calandra posted his concern regarding what transpired via X. ” My thoughts go out toward all impacted individuals including students , families , teachers. I appreciate first responders acting swiftly during these challenging moments.”Green chairs stand visible through broken windows caused due vehicles collision within nursery earlier today. (James Spalding/CBC)

Authorities urged citizens avoiding vicinity while expecting considerable delays. They also advised parents or anyone involved reach out victim services available aiding mental health needs.

Area roads remained closed last night as authorities continued investigations.

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