Boy, 12, dead, younger sister airlifted after being struck by vehicle north of Port Hope: OPP

A boy has died and his sister has been airlifted to a Toronto-area hospital after being struck by a vehicle north of Port Hope, Ont.

The collision occurred around 8 a.m. on Line 7, just west of Woodvale School Road near the hamlet of Campbellcroft, about five kilometres south of Bewdley, or 15 kilometres north of Port Hope.

Northumberland OPP said the two were pedestrians at the time of the collision which reportedly involved a vehicle and a school bus carrying students at the time.

No other details on the crash have been provided.

Sgt. Jason Folz of OPP Central Region confirms a 12-year-old boy was pronounced deceased at the scene by EMS personnel. He said the boy’s 10 year-old sister was airlifted by an Ornge air ambulance to a Toronto trauma centre with critical injuries.

The identity of the victims have not been released.

In a letter to parents, principal Karen McCormack of St. Anthony Catholic Elementary School in Port Hope, extended condolences to the family and friends of the victims.

“Words cannot adequately express our profound shock and deep sorrow over this terrible event,” stated McCormack. “The family has asked for your prayers at this time.

“I extend our prayers and most sincere sympathies to the family and to all who have been directly or indirectly impacted by what has occurred. Out of a sign of respect, we have lowered the flags to half-mast at all schools in the board,” she added.

McCormack said the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Clarington Catholic District School Board’s crisis teams were at the school Wednesday to offer counselling services for those impacted by the tragedy.

“As a Catholic community rooted in faith, we continue to pray for the family members and those affected most directly by this heart-breaking news,” said McCormack. “Thank you for your ongoing support and prayers as we grieve this tremendous loss in our school community and beyond.”

OPP have closed Line 7 between County Road 28 and Campbell Road while they investigate.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation, Folz said.

— More to come.