Editor’s note: A previous version of this story stated the driver of the second vehicle died on Tuesday. OPP have since corrected the date of death to Friday.
Five children killed in a devastating crash in rural Ontario last week will be laid to rest Saturday, as family, friends and community members gather to mourn their loss.
Peter Doerksen, 12, Helena Doerksen, 10, Sara Doerksen, eight, Maggie Doerksen, six, and Susy Doerksen, four, died following a two-vehicle collision in Mapleton Township on June 12.
According to an obituary, visitation was held Friday at Wallenstein Bible Chapel in Wallenstein, Ont.
A funeral service is scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m., followed by interment at Morningview Gospel Cemetery in Milverton.
“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of five beloved children,” the obituary states.
The children are survived by their parents, Cornelius Doerksen Froese and Judit Doerksen, as well as six siblings.
Get breaking National news
OPP have said the children were among 10 occupants in a passenger van that collided with an SUV at the intersection of Wellington Road 12 and Fourth Line in Mapleton Township, northwest of Guelph.
Four adults and an infant who were also travelling in the van suffered serious injuries.
The driver and lone occupant of the SUV, a 42-year-old male from Brampton, was pronounced dead in hospital on Friday as a result of injuries sustained in the collision, OPP confirmed on Saturday.
In a crowdfunding appeal published after the crash, the children’s sister, Nancy Doerksen, described the family’s grief as “beyond words.”
“Our mom remains in the hospital suffering from multiple injuries, including injuries to her kidney, liver, gallbladder, broken ribs and pelvic bone, along with extensive bruising and trauma,” she said on the page.
“At this time, we are unsure how long her recovery will take,” she wrote, adding that her father is recovering at home while helping care for the family.
- Feds’ AI bill good ‘first step’ but safety advocates say more work needed
- Civilians behind international police probe into Russian cybercriminals
- Alberta premier criticizes Calgary Stampede noise bylaw: ‘Fun police have struck’
- Firefighters battling wildfire near Lytton, B.C., helped by cooler temperatures
The fundraiser said the donations would help cover funeral expenses and other costs as the family focuses on healing and recovery.
The weight of the tragedy has reverberated across the country.
“My thoughts are with the family and their loved ones as they face this horrific tragedy, and with the people of Elmira and Mapleton,” Prime Minister Mark Carney shared on social media.
“I offer my sincere thanks to the first responders for their swift action and support of those who were injured.”
Police have not released any information suggesting charges are expected, and the investigation remains ongoing.
—with files from Global News’ Rachel Morgan
May God rest their little souls
I cannot even begin to imagine the pain this family and others in the train crash are suffering. All of my thoughts and prayers will be with them. May God bless and keep them close as a family during this terrible time.
+
Here, the driver with the children who died clearly broke all the rules and decided to pass in front of the car. Because of him, the children died.
I’m very sorry about the death of the children. It’s a great tragedy. But I have a question: what kind of car can accommodate 10 passengers?
Another immigrant killing Canadians with their horrendous road safety. Send em all back!!
ABSOLUTE TRAGEDY !!! BESIDE TRAGEDY IN the DICTIONARY. YOU WILL FIND THIS STORY !!! RIP TO ALL INVOLVED