Three children are dead and three others are recovering after a suspected impaired driver crashed into a minivan stopped at a red light in Etobicoke early Sunday morning. The collision occurred around 12:30 a.m. on the eastbound off-ramp from Highway 401 to Renforth Drive.
Police say the driver of a Dodge Caravan, traveling at a high speed, lost control and struck the stationary minivan, which was carrying six people.
Two children, aged 15 and 13, were pronounced dead at the scene, and a six-year-old girl later died in hospital from her injuries. The other occupants—a 10-year-old child, their mother, and an adult male family acquaintance—were initially in critical condition but are now stable.
The driver of the Dodge Caravan, 19-year-old Ethan Lehouillier of Georgetown, Ontario, was arrested at the scene and faces multiple charges of impaired operation causing death. He is scheduled to appear in court at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre at 10 a.m. on the day of this report.
The ages of the victims in the minivan ranged from 6 to 40 years old. Renforth Drive remains closed as the investigation continues.
Police are urging anyone with information, particularly those who may have seen the Dodge Caravan on Highway 401, to contact Traffic Services at 416-808-1900.