Six people are still hospitalized after a tragic crash in rural Ontario that took the lives of five children on Friday, according to police.
Authorities report that among those injured were an infant, the children’s parents, and two older adults thought to be their grandparents, after a van carrying ten individuals collided with an SUV.
The Ontario Provincial Police stated that the deceased included four girls and one boy, aged 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12. The driver of the SUV was critically hurt and was the only occupant of that vehicle.
A family member mentioned on Sunday that they couldn’t share more details as they focus on funeral arrangements and caring for those still in hospital.
As the community mourns this heartbreaking loss, the provincial police are gearing up for a new safety campaign.
The OPP’s “Stop, Look, Live” awareness initiative will take place next week to emphasize the dangers at intersections.
This initiative was scheduled well before the fatal accident in Mapleton Township; OPP media relations officer Derek Rogers described its timing as a “tragic coincidence” in an email statement.
From 2021 to 2025, nearly 5,000 motor vehicle accidents were recorded by authorities; approximately a quarter of these involved intersections, according to the OPP.
Police stated they can’t comment yet on specific details regarding this collision or if seatbelts were used correctly. It may take days or weeks before more information is available.
“This is an unimaginable loss,” OPP Superintendent Dwight Thib told reporters at police headquarters in Fergus, Ont., on Saturday. He expressed gratitude towards “Good Samaritans” who assisted first responders and noted that victims received “immediate care” at the scene.
Tow trucks hauling damaged vehicles left the site of a deadly two-car accident in Mapleton Township, northwest of Kitchener, Ont. on Saturday, June 13, 2026. Five children lost their lives while six others were injured in this crash. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ian Stewart
Mapleton Township Mayor Gregg Davidson said he’s unsure if any victims were local residents.
“Our hearts go out to the family members involved and their friends,” Davidson stated. “So many lost their lives in this one incident.”
The mayor added there are resources available for volunteer firefighters and other first responders who attended the scene of the crash.
“It’s certainly not something you would want to come upon,” Davidson remarked.
“Our community is strong and resilient,” he continued. “We’ll respond with kindness and love like we always do.”
Ontario Premier Doug Ford shared his thoughts via social media for all those affected by this tragedy along with their families and loved ones.
“This heartbreaking loss is being felt across both our community and province,” Ford said while encouraging locals to unite following this tragedy.
Officials indicated that investigations continue into what led up to the crash but cannot provide specifics yet about how it occurred or whether seatbelts were properly utilized during it.
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