In a devastating incident that has left the upscale Yorkville neighborhood reeling, two women suffered life-threatening injuries after being struck by a vehicle Thursday afternoon at the busy intersection of Yorkville Avenue and Hazelton Avenue. The collision, which occurred shortly after 3 p.m., prompted an immediate emergency response as pedestrians and nearby shoppers watched in horror.
Toronto Police Service reported that the driver remained at the scene following the collision. Paramedics quickly transported both victims to a nearby trauma center with what authorities described as “very serious, life-threatening injuries.” The women, whose identities have not been released pending family notification, were crossing the street when the incident occurred.
“We heard screeching tires and then screams,” said Michael Chen, who was leaving a nearby café when the accident happened. “People immediately rushed to help while others were calling 911. It was chaotic but also showed how quickly the community responded to help.”
The collision highlights ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety in Toronto’s busiest districts. According to CO24 News, Toronto has seen a troubling increase in pedestrian-related accidents over the past year, particularly in high-traffic commercial areas.
Traffic Services Division of the Toronto Police has launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. Investigators were seen documenting the scene, examining vehicle damage patterns, and collecting statements from witnesses throughout the afternoon. The stretch of Yorkville Avenue remained closed for several hours as authorities conducted their work.
“The investigation is still in its preliminary stages,” said Constable Sarah Williams in a statement to CO24 Canada News. “We’re examining all factors that might have contributed to this incident, including road conditions, visibility, and driver behavior.”
City Councillor Robin Singh, who represents the area, expressed concern about the intersection’s safety record. “This particular crossing has been flagged in previous safety audits. Today’s tragic incident underscores the urgent need for the infrastructure improvements we’ve been advocating for,” Singh told reporters at the scene.
Local business owners have also voiced growing concerns about traffic management in the area, which sees heavy pedestrian traffic due to its popular restaurants, boutiques, and galleries. The Yorkville Business Improvement Association has been lobbying for enhanced crosswalks, reduced speed limits, and better enforcement of traffic regulations.
As Torontonians await updates on the victims’ conditions, this incident serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of pedestrian safety in urban environments. The city’s Vision Zero road safety plan, adopted several years ago with the aim of eliminating traffic-related fatalities, continues to face challenges in implementation and effectiveness.
What meaningful changes can Toronto implement to better protect pedestrians in high-traffic areas like Yorkville, and how might this incident finally catalyze the infrastructure improvements that safety advocates have long deemed necessary?
