A 70-year-old man has admitted guilt in connection with a deadly daycare crash in Richmond Hill that killed a toddler and injured numerous children and staff members.
Vinay Kumar Gupta pleaded guilty to one count of dangerous operation causing death and two counts of dangerous operation causing bodily harm during a court appearance in Newmarket on Monday.
The collision occurred on Sept. 10, 2025, when Gupta drove an SUV into the First Roots Early Education Academy while attempting to park. Investigators determined the vehicle mounted a sidewalk, smashed through the building, and travelled nearly 19 metres through three classrooms within five seconds before stopping.
The crash claimed the life of an 18-month-old boy. Several other children were injured, including one who suffered life-altering injuries and another who sustained broken bones and head trauma. Three daycare employees were also hurt.
Court heard there was no evidence the brakes were applied, and surveillance footage showed the vehicle’s brake lights never activated. Gupta told police he believed he was pressing the brake pedal, but investigators concluded he mistakenly pressed the accelerator, causing the SUV to surge forward.
A collision reconstruction report determined the incident resulted from driver error. Gupta’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for Dec. 8.