Ontario Provincial Police say five children have died and several other people were seriously injured following a two-vehicle collision in Wellington County on Friday evening.
The crash happened at about 7:30 p.m. at the intersection of Wellington Road 12 and Fourth Line in Mapleton Township, northwest of Guelph.
Investigators say a passenger van carrying ten people and a sport utility vehicle carrying one person collided at the intersection.
“Tragically, five children lost their lives. I can confirm that the victims are all related,” said Superintendant Dwight Thib, in a news conference Saturday afternoon.
Four girls and one boy ranging in age from four to 12 were killed, Thib said.
“This is an unimaginable loss. On behalf of the Ontario Provincial Police, I extend our deepest condolences to the families, loved ones, and the community during this incredibly difficult time,” he added.
Four adults and one infant sustained serious injuries and remain in hospital.
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The driver of the SUV was also transported with serious injuries and remains in hospital.
Thib thanked emergency responders who attended the scene and provided immediate care.
“I would also like to thank the Good Samaritans that stopped and provided assistance to our first responders during this tragedy,” he said.
In a post to X, Doug Ford offered his condolences.
“My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the children who were killed in the tragic collision that took place yesterday in Mapleton Township, and with those currently being cared for in hospital.”
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“Let’s all stand together with those who are grieving during this terrible time,” his post further read.
In a video update posted overnight, Wellington County OPP Const. Matt Burton described the incident as a “serious collision resulting in multiple injuries and fatalities.”
Burton said three patients were airlifted to trauma centres, while several others were taken to local hospitals.
The OPP traffic incident management and enforcement team is now assisting with the investigation.
Police said they are not releasing further details as they work to notify victims’ next of kin.
The intersection was closed for hours as investigators examined the scene but has since reopened.
Anyone who witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage is asked to contact Wellington County OPP.
Grow up. Five children are dead. What a bunch of juvenile comments.
Anon
Dave67 is probably talking about Ontarians in general you chode
Orientals seem to be bad drivers.
The ethnicities would be nice, even just a name would say allot of it was John Smith or Muhammed Sandeep
Color, Race, Ethnicity, would be nice the news is always hiding the real news nowadays. Let people judge by race & creed… probably not born & raised in CANADA that is why they DIED!
If I may, If I may, I am to busy to send condolences, cause I am traveling on Canadian taxpaying money dollars overseas and enjoying a guiness pint… so sorry some kids died maybe they deserved it.
PM Carney!
How does a van that at most is designed to only carry 9 passengers, have 10 passengers riding in it. That is a conversation that needs to be addressed.
Why are conservatives in these comments just blaming liberals and immigrants for everything? Last I checked, statistically speaking it’s white men in their 20s have the highest rate of vehicle collisions
Probably a Trudeau import who can’t speak English or read signs. So typical
Some people can’t help but to blame liberals for this somehow. I would love to meet these people in person…
Hmm bet no seat belts.
Probably a Liberal with a suspended license.
@Dave67 – which “those idiots” would you be referring to? The entitled white “alpha males” that are far too important to the world to be bothered with laws and other common courtesies? Those idiots?
I completely agree.
The way those idiots drive, it’s no surprise!
Blessings