Toronto Crash: Three Children Killed Devastates Family
In a heartbreaking incident that has shaken Toronto’s community to its core, three young children lost their lives in a devastating collision Sunday afternoon when a car veered off the road and struck a group of pedestrians in the city’s north end.
The tragedy unfolded shortly after 4:30 p.m. in the Finch Avenue and Don Mills Road area, where two families were enjoying what should have been an ordinary weekend stroll. According to Toronto Police, a vehicle suddenly mounted the curb, striking two women and six children who were walking along the sidewalk.
“This is an unspeakable tragedy that has left our entire city in mourning,” said Toronto Police Superintendent Maria Williams at the scene. “Three children from the same extended family have lost their lives, while three others remain in critical condition.”
The victims, aged between 5 and 11 years old, were cousins enjoying a family outing when disaster struck. Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos and heartbreak as first responders worked frantically to provide aid.
George Pappas, who lives nearby, told CO24 News that he heard the crash and rushed outside. “I saw people screaming, running toward the scene. There were children on the ground. It was something no one should ever have to witness.”
The 43-year-old male driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with authorities. Police have not yet determined whether charges will be filed, pending a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Investigators are examining whether medical distress, mechanical failure, or other factors contributed to the driver losing control.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow visited the scene Monday morning and announced that crisis counselors have been deployed to support the grieving family and community members. “As a city, we wrap our arms around this family in their darkest hour,” Mayor Chow said during an emotional press conference covered by CO24 Canada.
The family, who immigrated to Canada from Sri Lanka approximately five years ago, has received an outpouring of support from Toronto’s diverse communities. A makeshift memorial with flowers, stuffed animals, and handwritten notes has formed near the crash site, as neighbors and strangers alike come to pay their respects.
Community leader Ahmed Hassan organized a vigil scheduled for Tuesday evening. “This tragedy transcends cultural and religious boundaries,” Hassan told me. “We’re seeing people from all walks of life coming together to support a family experiencing unimaginable grief.”
Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children confirmed that the three surviving children remain in critical but stable condition, while the two adult women are being treated for serious but non-life-threatening injuries at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.
This incident occurs amid growing concerns about pedestrian safety in Toronto. According to data from CO24 Toronto, pedestrian fatalities have increased by nearly 22% over the past three years, prompting renewed calls for enhanced safety measures in residential areas.
City Councillor Shelley Carroll, who represents the district where the crash occurred, has pledged to expedite traffic calming measures that had been under consideration for the area. “While nothing can undo this tragedy, we must take immediate steps to prevent future loss of life,” Carroll stated at an emergency council meeting Monday.
As Toronto grapples with this devastating loss, questions inevitably arise about how we balance urban development with the safety of our most vulnerable residents. How many more tragedies must occur before pedestrian safety becomes not just a priority in planning discussions, but a fundamental principle driving immediate action in our communities?
