On Friday evening, a tragic multi-vehicle accident near London, Ontario, resulted in the loss of five lives, including four teenagers. The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. at the intersection of Thorndale Road and Cobble Hills Road, located approximately 22 kilometers outside of London. According to provincial police, an SUV was involved in a collision with a transport truck, which subsequently struck a second SUV.
First responders declared two 17-year-old girls and a 16-year-old girl dead at the scene of the crash. A 33-year-old man, who was also in the first SUV, was transported to a hospital with life-threatening injuries but was later pronounced dead. Another 16-year-old girl from the same SUV was airlifted by Ornge ambulance to a trauma center, where she, too, was pronounced dead. All five victims were occupants of the first SUV that had been struck.
In contrast, the driver and passenger of the second SUV, as well as the driver of the transport truck, sustained only minor injuries from the collision. The shocking nature of the incident has left the local community and the Bluewater District School Board in a state of mourning.
The Bluewater District School Board confirmed that the four deceased girls and the staff member were associated with Walkerton District Community School, situated approximately 150 kilometers northwest of Toronto. They were returning home from an out-of-town sports event when the crash occurred. The board described the loss as “devastating” for both the school and the broader community, extending heartfelt condolences to the families affected by this unimaginably tragic event.
Sergeant Ed Sanchuk of the Ontario Provincial Police expressed sympathy, stating, “As a father, I can’t even imagine what these families are going through, and I just wanted to extend our deepest and sincerest condolences on behalf of the Ontario Provincial Police. You are in our thoughts.”
The sentiments of grief were echoed by Premier Doug Ford, who took to social media to express his sorrow over the tragic accident in Middlesex County. He wrote, “I’m devastated to hear of last night’s tragic accident in Middlesex County, which has now claimed the lives of five people. My thoughts are with the families and loved ones grieving this terrible loss.”
Ontario’s Education Minister Paul Calandra also shared his condolences, stating he was “deeply saddened to hear about the tragic loss of four students and a teacher in the crash.” He added, “We are all mourning this terrible loss,” reflecting the widespread grief surrounding the incident.
Investigators are currently seeking assistance from the public, asking anyone who may have been in the vicinity at the time of the collision and possesses dash camera footage or additional information to reach out to them. The community is coming together during this incredibly difficult time, grappling with the profound impact of the loss of young lives and a dedicated staff member.
