York Regional Police have arrested a driver after their vehicle crashed into a daycare in Richmond Hill on Wednesday afternoon, resulting in the death of a toddler and injuries to other children.
Authorities in York Region reported that the vehicle struck the building near Yonge Street and Nottingham Drive around 3 p. m. on September 10.
Witnesses told City News that the car moved from the parking lot straight into one of the learning spaces at First Roots Early Education Academy.
Seven children and three staff members were rushed to the hospital, where an 18-month-old toddler was pronounced dead. Two other kids remain in critical condition, while others sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
At the time of the incident, police mentioned there were 96 children present across several rooms in the facility. All kids have been accounted for, and parents have been informed.
A 70-year-old man was taken into custody at the scene. He faces charges for dangerous operation causing death and dangerous operation causing bodily harm.
Investigators are still looking into the case and say additional charges might follow.
Police later confirmed that the driver has been released on bail but will not disclose his name “to protect any victims or witnesses involved in this incident.”
The investigation suggests that this tragedy does not appear to be intentional.
“As you can imagine, this was a very chaotic scene,” said Const. Kevin Nebrija. “The initial information suggests the vehicle was parked at first and then drove through the front window for reasons yet unknown.”
A memorial outside First Roots Early Education Academy in Richmond Hill, Ont., as seen on Sept. 11, 2025. (Dilshad Burman/City News)
A memorial outside First Roots Early Education Academy in Richmond Hill, Ont., as seen on Sept. 11, 2025. (Dilshad Burman/City News)
Steven, whose daughter is just over a year old and among those injured, expressed his shock after receiving a text from the daycare about what happened.
“She’s currently in the hospital. I could see blood all over her left ear and her clothes. I’m just trying to get her some cookies and some clothes, her favorite blankets; so I’m just driving back to the hospital right now,” he shared.
A memorial outside First Roots Early Education Academy in Richmond Hill, Ont., as seen on Sept. 11, 2025. (Dilshad Burman/City News)
A memorial outside First Roots Early Education Academy in Richmond Hill, Ont., as seen on Sept. 11, 2025. (Dilshad Burman/City News)
Steven, whose daughter is just over a year old and among those injured, expressed his shock after receiving a text from the daycare about what happened.
“She’s currently in the hospital. I could see blood all over her left ear and her clothes. I’m just trying to get her some cookies and some clothes, her favorite blankets; so I’m just driving back to the hospital right now,” he shared.
Memorial Grows Outside Daycare
The following morning, large plywood boards covered up where the window used to be. Beneath it lay stuffed animals facing towards the parking lot alongside bouquets of flowers, a mini basketball, and a candle left by residents. A sign reading “please slow down” remains attached to a wall next to where it all happened. The daycare issued a statement Thursday expressing their shock after such tragic events occurred yesterday. “We are devastated and still processing what happened but our foremost priority is supporting our families and staff members,” read their message posted on Instagram for First Roots’ account. “We ask that our community be given privacy to grieve and recover during this unimaginably difficult time.” Emirson Bekirovski received an emergency message while he was at work telling him he needed to pick up his four-year-old daughter from daycare immediately. “My wife came here pretty traumatized by seeing all those helicopters and police cars,” Bekirovski recalled; adding that parents weren’t provided much information beyond instructions to take their kids home safely. “We’re obviously very happy our daughter’s with us now but we’re still shaken by how close this tragedy occurred,” he added.
