A devastating two-vehicle collision in Mapleton Township on Friday evening claimed the lives of five children and left six others seriously injured.
Ontario Provincial Police say the crash occurred around 7:30 p.m. at the intersection of 4th Line and Wellington Road 12, involving a van carrying 10 occupants and an SUV with a lone driver.
The victims who died were five children—four girls and one boy—between the ages of four and 12. Police confirmed the children were all related. Several surviving family members, including four adults and an infant, suffered serious injuries and were transported to hospital. Among the injured adults were the children’s parents, and two older adults were believed to be their grandparents. The SUV driver sustained critical injuries.
Emergency crews, supported by air ambulance services, transported multiple victims to trauma centres and regional hospitals. Authorities noted that bystanders who stopped to assist provided immediate aid before first responders arrived.
Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the collision. The family involved is from the Elmira area, and police have not released further details about the cause of the crash.
The intersection remained closed for much of Saturday as officers processed the scene before reopening later at around 4:00 p.m.
Update – A sixth person has died following the devastating crash. Ontario Provincial Police confirmed that the driver of the SUV, a 42-year-old man from Brampton, succumbed to his injuries in hospital on Friday July 19.