A funeral service for five children who lost their lives last week in a two-vehicle accident on a rural road in southern Ontario will take place on Saturday.
The Doerksen siblings, Peter, 12, Helena, 10, Sara, 8, Maggie, 6, and Susy, 4, were traveling in a large passenger van with another sibling, their parents, and a couple when their vehicle collided with an SUV.
Authorities are still investigating the circumstances that led up to the crash at the intersection of 4th Line and Wellington Road 12 in Mapleton Township, northwest of Kitchener, around 7:30 p. m. ET on June 12.
Friends and family will gather to honor the five children during an afternoon service at a church located just outside Elmira.
“The family sincerely appreciates the prayers, support and kindness shown during this difficult time,” say obituaries for the five children.
Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) reported that there were ten people in the van and one person in the SUV.
The police indicated anyone needing help can contact Victim Services Wellington at 519-824-1212 (ext.7304) or Victim Services Waterloo Region at 519-585-2363.
Authorities encourage any witnesses or anyone who might have information regarding this incident should reach out directly through Wellington County OPP’s hotline at 1-888-310-1122.
The seven-day Stop Look Live campaign was already planned prior before this tragic collision occurred according West Region authorities.
Chief Supt Dwight Thib addressed viewers via video posted on X (previously known as Twitter), indicating there has been noticeable “significant increase” over recent years involving serious accidents resulting either injuries or fatalities occurring within intersection zones.
This video recording took place outside their detachment located within Fergus where press conference about incident occurred last Saturday.
“Although collision didn’t influence creation nor timing for campaign it’s important reminder reminding drivers intersections represent danger therefore it’s essential we adhere laws,” he concluded.
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Mom Still Hospitalized
Nancy Doerksen, who is the second oldest of twelve siblings and wasn’t present in the van during the crash, spoke briefly with on Monday to confirm that her siblings had died. Nancy has started an online fundraising campaign to support her family which has raised over $300,000 so far. In an update shared on Monday, Nancy mentioned that her mother, Judit, is still hospitalized but “making slow but steady progress.” Her fifteen-month-old brother has been released from hospital after suffering a broken leg while her father, Cornelius Doerksen Froese continues his recovery from injuries sustained in the crash. Nancy also noted that Peter and Elizabeth Bartsch were among those traveling with her eight family members. Elizabeth remains hospitalized as well. The Doerksen family has chosen not to give media interviews but have stated they will issue a statement when they feel ready.OPP Provides Support for Witnesses
The Wellington County OPP is offering assistance to witnesses and others who helped following the accident. “Events of this nature are never easy. If you are struggling please reach out,” OPP said in a news release. “The Wellington County OPP is committed to working together with our community to ensure that everyone has access to support they need especially in times of tragedy.” spoke with Katherine Boese who witnessed the incident and was present at the scene shortly after it happened. Boese was feeding chickens when she heard a loud crash from her home; she even had a tire land in her yard as a result of it. She described seeing debris scattered everywhere including parts of metal all around. She noticed that part of the van’s engine had been thrown out onto nearby ground while smoke rose from it by a river close by. She also mentioned seeing some of children’s bodies at the scene. “It’s horrible. It’s horrible,” she said while shaking her head in disbelief. Katherine found an infant secured inside the back seat of the van and kept talking to him until paramedics arrived on site. Katherine along with her husband and neighbors also stepped forward to help after witnessing what happened.The police indicated anyone needing help can contact Victim Services Wellington at 519-824-1212 (ext.7304) or Victim Services Waterloo Region at 519-585-2363.
Authorities encourage any witnesses or anyone who might have information regarding this incident should reach out directly through Wellington County OPP’s hotline at 1-888-310-1122.
Road Safety Initiative Launched
This past Monday marked OPP’s launch of a safety initiative aimed specifically at rural intersections across Ontario.The seven-day Stop Look Live campaign was already planned prior before this tragic collision occurred according West Region authorities.
Chief Supt Dwight Thib addressed viewers via video posted on X (previously known as Twitter), indicating there has been noticeable “significant increase” over recent years involving serious accidents resulting either injuries or fatalities occurring within intersection zones.
This video recording took place outside their detachment located within Fergus where press conference about incident occurred last Saturday.
“Although collision didn’t influence creation nor timing for campaign it’s important reminder reminding drivers intersections represent danger therefore it’s essential we adhere laws,” he concluded.
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