One child has lost his life and six other children were hurt after a vehicle crashed into a daycare in Richmond Hill, Ont., on Wednesday, according to police.
Police report that the child who died was a one and a half-year-old boy. He was declared dead at the hospital.
Of the six other injured children, one is hospitalized with serious injuries while the others are in stable condition along with three staff members. The ages of the affected children range from one and a half to three years old.
A man in his 70s was taken into custody at the scene, as stated by York Regional Police.
On Thursday morning, police revealed 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 piecing together what happened; however, current information suggests that this was not intentional,” Const. Kevin Nebrija told reporters near the site on Wednesday.
The event occurred around 3 p. m. at First Roots Early Education Academy located near Yonge Street and Nottingham Drive, south of Gamble Road, according to police. The daycare was operating at that time.
Nebrija mentioned that there were 96 children present across multiple rooms during the crash.
“Our investigators are currently gathering evidence and examining how far into the building it (the vehicle) penetrated,” he said.
All children have been accounted for and all parents have been informed, police confirmed.
Richmond Hill, Ont., daycare crash not believed to be deliberate, police say
A child has died, several others sustained injuries and a man in his 70s is in custody following a vehicle collision with a daycare in Richmond Hill, Ont., as reported by police at a news conference. Authorities state their investigation is ongoing but do not suspect it was an intentional act.
York Regional Police Chief Jim Mac Sween shared on X, formerly Twitter, that they are investigating while providing support for both victims and responding officers.
“My thoughts go out to the children, staff members and families affected by this heartbreaking event. No family should endure such tragedy,” Mac Sween expressed.
In an Instagram statement First Roots Early Education Academy expressed its sorrow: “We are heartbroken and deeply saddened by the tragic incident at our center. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family at this incredibly difficult time.”Incident ‘terribly shocking,’ mayor says
Richmond Hill Mayor David West described this event as “unimaginable” and “terribly shocking.” He extended condolences toward those impacted by Wednesday’s tragedy.“We certainly are a strong community but experiences like these really shake us profoundly,” West remarked.“We need come together during times like these for sure. This is something no community or parent ever wants to face.”Ramin Esmaeili shared his concern when mentioning that his wife had gone there for an appointment regarding their children’s enrollment.“It’s obviously very sad. We have kids too; my wife planned on coming here today,” Esmaeili said. “It’s unbelievable.”Ontario Education Minister Paul Calandra took note on X about being “deeply concerned” over what transpired.“My thoughts remain with those affected-children families-and staff members involved,” Calandra stated appreciatively recognizing first responders’ swift actions during such challenging moments.”![]()
Green and blue chairs are seen through the broken window of the daycare that a vehicle smashed into on Wednesday.(James Spalding/CBC)
Police requested individuals avoid traversing nearby areas due to expected delays while encouraging anyone connected with those involved seek assistance from victim services available focusing mental health supports. Roadways around were closed off later Wednesday night as law enforcement continued their investigations.
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‘A very chaotic scene,’ police say
Nebrija noted that prior to the crash, an SUV was parked before it unexpectedly drove through a front window of the daycare “for reasons unknown.” “As you can imagine, this was a very chaotic scene,” Nebrija added. “We understand how alarming this call must have been for parents who rushed over after receiving it.” 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, several others sustained injuries and a man in his 70s is in custody following a vehicle collision with a daycare in Richmond Hill, Ont., as reported by police at a news conference. Authorities state their investigation is ongoing but do not suspect it was an intentional act.
York Regional Police Chief Jim Mac Sween shared on X, formerly Twitter, that they are investigating while providing support for both victims and responding officers.
“My thoughts go out to the children, staff members and families affected by this heartbreaking event. No family should endure such tragedy,” Mac Sween expressed.
In an Instagram statement First Roots Early Education Academy expressed its sorrow: “We are heartbroken and deeply saddened by the tragic incident at our center. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family at this incredibly difficult time.”Incident ‘terribly shocking,’ mayor says
Richmond Hill Mayor David West described this event as “unimaginable” and “terribly shocking.” He extended condolences toward those impacted by Wednesday’s tragedy.“We certainly are a strong community but experiences like these really shake us profoundly,” West remarked.“We need come together during times like these for sure. This is something no community or parent ever wants to face.”Ramin Esmaeili shared his concern when mentioning that his wife had gone there for an appointment regarding their children’s enrollment.“It’s obviously very sad. We have kids too; my wife planned on coming here today,” Esmaeili said. “It’s unbelievable.”Ontario Education Minister Paul Calandra took note on X about being “deeply concerned” over what transpired.“My thoughts remain with those affected-children families-and staff members involved,” Calandra stated appreciatively recognizing first responders’ swift actions during such challenging moments.”Police requested individuals avoid traversing nearby areas due to expected delays while encouraging anyone connected with those involved seek assistance from victim services available focusing mental health supports. Roadways around were closed off later Wednesday night as law enforcement continued their investigations.
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