A horrific collision in Wellington County, Ontario, on Friday evening has claimed the lives of five children and left six others with serious injuries. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) confirmed the devastating news during a press conference Saturday afternoon.
The crash occurred at approximately 7:30 p. m. at the intersection of Wellington Road 12 and Fourth Line in Mapleton Township, northwest of Guelph. Investigators say a passenger van carrying ten people collided with a sport utility vehicle carrying one person. In total, 11 individuals were involved in the incident.
Tragically, five children, four girls and one boy aged between four and 12 years old, were killed. Police stated that all the child victims were related. Six other individuals, including an infant and four adults from the van, as well as the driver of the SUV, sustained serious injuries and were transported to hospital. Three patients were airlifted to trauma centres.
OPP Superintendent Dwight Thib described the event as an "unimaginable loss" and extended condolences to the families affected. He also thanked first responders and "Good Samaritans" who provided assistance at the scene. The OPP's Traffic Incident Management Enforcement team is investigating, and the intersection remained closed for the investigation. Further details are not being released as next of kin are being notified.
