By Ginika Igboke
Five young siblings were killed and six other people were seriously injured following a devastating two-vehicle collision in rural Ontario on Friday evening, according to provincial police.
The victims included four girls and one boy, ranging in age from 4 to 12 years old. Their infant sibling survived but suffered serious injuries. The children’s parents and two older adults believed to be their grandparents were also seriously hurt in the crash.
The collision occurred at approximately 7:30 p.m. at the intersection of 4th Line and Wellington Road 12 in Mapleton Township, northwest of Kitchener.
Investigators said a van carrying 10 occupants collided with a sport utility vehicle at the intersection. The driver of the SUV was also transported to hospital with critical injuries.
“This is an unimaginable loss,” said Dwight Thib during a media briefing at Ontario Provincial Police headquarters in Fergus.
Thib expressed gratitude to several Good Samaritans who stopped to assist emergency crews and provide immediate aid to victims before first responders arrived.
Emergency officials said at least three people were airlifted to trauma centres, while others were transported by ambulance to hospitals throughout the region.
Ontario Provincial Police Constable Matthew Burton said victims were taken to multiple medical facilities due to the scale and complexity of the incident.
Gregg Davidson said it was not yet known whether the victims were residents of the local community.
“Our hearts go out to the family members involved, to the friends of the family,” Davidson said. “So many deceased in this one crash.”
The mayor also acknowledged the emotional toll the tragedy would have on volunteer firefighters, paramedics, police officers, and other first responders who attended the scene.
“It’s certainly not something you would want to come upon,” Davidson said.
“Our community is strong, and our community is resilient,” he added. “We’ll respond with kindness and love, like we always do.”
In a statement posted on social media, Ontario Premier Doug Ford offered condolences to the victims’ loved ones and called the incident a heartbreaking loss for both the local community and the province as a whole.
“This heartbreaking loss is being felt across the community and the entire province,” Ford said, encouraging residents to support one another in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Police have not released details about the cause of the collision and said it is too early to determine factors such as whether seatbelts were being properly used.
Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash, and authorities have not announced when additional information may be released.
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