The Ontario government is looking to introduce new safety measures for child-care facilities, following an incident where an SUV crashed into a daycare north of Toronto. This tragic event resulted in the death of a toddler and injuries to six other children.
In addition, three staff members were hurt during the crash that occurred on Wednesday at First Roots Early Education Academy in Richmond Hill, Ont.
The toddler who lost his life was only 1 ½ years old, according to police. The other injured children, aged between 18 months and three years old, were taken to the hospital with various injuries. As of Thursday afternoon, two of them remained in critical condition.
Education Minister Paul Calandra announced that the government plans to require operators and municipalities to avoid using parking spots right next to entryways, windows, and outside walls of classrooms or playgrounds at child-care centers.
Calandra noted that accessible spaces and home-based child-care operations would be exceptions.
He mentioned that he has asked his ministry to collaborate with service managers, inspectors, and service providers to pinpoint “vulnerabilities” needing attention ahead of future legislative changes.
“Our government will make any necessary legislative or regulatory amendments to municipal or landlord restrictions that currently prevent the installation of protective barriers, such as bollards, planters, elevated curbs and other physical infrastructure, to protect children and workers in these settings,” Calandra said in a statement shared on social media.
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The First Roots Early Education Academy expressed it was “in a state of shock” following the accident.
“We wish to share our gratitude for the outpouring of support and sympathy and want to thank the emergency services personnel who assisted the affected children and their families, as well as our staff members,” it stated on social media.
“We ask that our community be given privacy to grieve and recover in this unimaginably difficult time.”
Vinay Kumar Gupta was arrested at the scene in Richmond Hill. He faces one charge of dangerous operation causing death along with two counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm. The 70-year-old was released on bail after a brief court appearance on Thursday.
In a statement later Thursday afternoon, York Regional Police Chief Jim Mac Sween noted there’s “no reason to believe the collision was deliberate.” He described it as a “devastating” event that would have lasting impacts across the region.
Investigators at the scene indicated shortly after the crash that it didn’t seem intentional. Police confirmed Gupta was alone in his vehicle when it happened but haven’t provided details about what might have led up to this incident during pickup time.
A news release from police stated they are still collecting evidence and more charges could follow. They encouraged anyone with video footage from the area to come forward.
A judge at a Newmarket courtroom imposed a publication ban covering information shared during Gupta’s bail hearing on Thursday afternoon.
Gupta was granted $25,000 bail with conditions including residing with a surety; he can’t drive any vehicle or possess keys for vehicles.
A Hyundai electric vehicle involved in the crash was removed through a shattered window at the daycare and placed onto a tow truck late Wednesday evening. It showed minimal visible damage except for some broken glass on its hood and a dangling license plate.
The large window had been boarded up with plywood by Thursday morning along with additional pieces of lumber.
Beneath it sat several stuffed animals facing towards the parking lot. Residents also left bouquets of flowers alongside mini basketballs and candles as tributes.
A sign reading “please slow down” remained mounted nearby where the crash took place.
Emirson Bekirovski received an urgent message from his daughter’s daycare while working about an emergency requiring him to pick her up promptly.
“I found out when my wife came home looking traumatized by all those helicopters flying around along with police cars,” Bekirovski said. He added parents weren’t given much information aside from instructions telling them how to safely collect their kids.
Police confirmed there were 96 kids present across multiple rooms within the center when everything unfolded.
“We’re obviously very happy that our daughter’s safe now but we’re really shaken since this happened so close by,” Bekirovski expressed.
Ruth Brainis lives nearby with her two small children; she felt “devastated” upon hearing news about what transpired.
She visited site early Thursday morning bringing flowers as part of honoring affected families’ losses.
“When something happens involving children like this case does hit really hard,” she remarked. “I can’t even begin imagining how much pain these poor parents must be experiencing right now.”
Hava Jouharchi has resided in Richmond Hill for over 25 years; she couldn’t comprehend learning about such an incident occurring at her former children’s daycare.
“My son walked past here only ten minutes before it occurred-that’s how I discovered what had taken place,” Jouharchi recalled,“I’ve never experienced anything like this happening around here before-it completely shocked me.”
Residents continued visiting throughout day bringing flowers & stuffed toys while some came together with their little ones-one father held his young daughter while her mother laid down another bouquet nearby too!
Gupta is expected back before court on October 16th for further proceedings related issues surrounding charges faced against him moving forward.This report by The Canadian Press originally September 11th ,2025.
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A sign reading “please slow down” remained mounted nearby where the crash took place.
Emirson Bekirovski received an urgent message from his daughter’s daycare while working about an emergency requiring him to pick her up promptly.
“I found out when my wife came home looking traumatized by all those helicopters flying around along with police cars,” Bekirovski said. He added parents weren’t given much information aside from instructions telling them how to safely collect their kids.
Police confirmed there were 96 kids present across multiple rooms within the center when everything unfolded.
“We’re obviously very happy that our daughter’s safe now but we’re really shaken since this happened so close by,” Bekirovski expressed.
Ruth Brainis lives nearby with her two small children; she felt “devastated” upon hearing news about what transpired.
She visited site early Thursday morning bringing flowers as part of honoring affected families’ losses.
“When something happens involving children like this case does hit really hard,” she remarked. “I can’t even begin imagining how much pain these poor parents must be experiencing right now.”
Hava Jouharchi has resided in Richmond Hill for over 25 years; she couldn’t comprehend learning about such an incident occurring at her former children’s daycare.
“My son walked past here only ten minutes before it occurred-that’s how I discovered what had taken place,” Jouharchi recalled,“I’ve never experienced anything like this happening around here before-it completely shocked me.”
Residents continued visiting throughout day bringing flowers & stuffed toys while some came together with their little ones-one father held his young daughter while her mother laid down another bouquet nearby too!
Gupta is expected back before court on October 16th for further proceedings related issues surrounding charges faced against him moving forward.This report by The Canadian Press originally September 11th ,2025.
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