Five people, including four teens and a beloved teacher have died following a multi-vehicle crash in southwestern Ontario.
Ontario Provincial Police say the crash happened around 4:30 p.m. Friday in Middlesex County near London, Ont.
Investigators say an SUV carrying five people collided with a transport truck, then hit a second SUV, at the intersection of Thorndale Road and Cobble Hills Road.
Three of the first SUV’s passengers, two 17-year-old girls and a 16-year-old girl, were pronounced dead at the scene.
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The 33-year-old male driver, Matt Eckert, and another 16-year-old girl of the same SUV was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries. The 16-year-old girl was airlifted by Ornge.
Both died in hospital.
Eckert, who died in the crash, was a high school teacher and assistant coach with the Owen Sound NorthStars Junior B Lacrosse club. The team said on social media that it was “heartbroken and crushed” by his death, remembering him as a dedicated mentor to players and a best friend to fellow coaches.
Ontario’s Premier, Doug Ford, extended his condolences to the families of the victims as well. “I’m devastated to hear of last night’s tragic accident in Middlesex County, which has now claimed the lives of five people. My thoughts are with the families and loved ones grieving this terrible loss,” he said on X.
The occupants of the second SUV and the transport truck driver suffered minor injuries. The intersection was closed for several hours but has since reopened.
Police offered their condolences and did not speculate on the cause of the crash.
Authorities are continuing to investigate and are asking anyone with dashcam footage or information about the crash to contact Middlesex OPP or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers.
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