Three young people are dead and two others hospitalized in a horrific high-speed crash in Toronto that saw four occupants thrown from a car.
Police said the crash happened around 3:30 a.m. Sunday at Jane Street and Sheppard Avenue when the Acura lost control and rolled over.
The force of the crash threw one victim over a fence, while three others were tossed onto the road. One person was partially ejected from the car.
Const. Clint Stibbe said a 21-year-old woman and two men aged 19 and 22 were pronounced dead at the scene, while two other men in their mid-to-late 20s were rushed to hospital with serious injuries. One is in life-threatening condition.
He said investigators are trying to determine if the driver is among the two survivors. If so, charges may be laid, Stibbe said.
Stibbe said the Acura initially hit a Mercedes Benz at Jane and Steeles Avenue, and was speeding south when the driver lost control, hitting another vehicle before crashing into a light standard and fence.
The crash left a large amount of debris, ripping off the car’s trunk while other parts including a section of the brakes were strewn across the road.
“We stopped when they passed us. They were speeding and we were shocked,” said witness Ibrahim Godah.
Stibbe said speed was a factor in the crash and that investigators are looking into whether alcohol was involved and if the victims were wearing seatbelts.
The names of the deceased will not be released, he said.
“This type of collision did not need to occur. What we now have is five different families that have been affected… unfortunately three of which have suffered a loss in their family,” Stibbe said.
“This type of driving behaviour is unacceptable and, in the end, is fatal.”
He said investigators are speaking to the drivers of the two vehicles struck by the Acura.
Witnesses told Global News it appeared the car was going well over 100 km/h when it lost control.
Police closed off the intersection as they investigated. Witnesses are asked to contact police.
With a file from Erica Vella