A toddler is dead, and another child is in serious condition after an SUV crashed into a daycare in Richmond Hill Wednesday afternoon.
York Regional Police said the crash occurred at First Roots Early Education Academy located in the area of Yonge Street and Nottingham Drive, just south of 19th Avenue, around 3 p.m.
“I can tell you that the initial information suggests the vehicle was in the parking lot at the time and, for reasons unknown, drove through the front of the window,” Const. Kevin Nebrija said.
When officers arrived, they located a total of seven children ranging from one-and-a-half to three years old and three staff members who were struck by the vehicle inside the daycare.
All 10 victims were taken to the hospital and Nebrija said the one-and-a-half-year-old boy was pronounced dead shortly after.
“Another child remains in serious condition, and the remaining children and staff remain in non-life-threatening condition,” he added.
Meanwhile, police arrested a man in his 70s at the scene. Nebrija said no charges have been laid yet.
‘Not a deliberate act’
Images from the scene show the window shattered as a result of the crash and shards of glass strewn across the pavement. Inside, children’s plastic chairs and tables are knocked over, with a huge hole in the wall left behind by the vehicle.
Nebrija said it appears the vehicle drove through more than one room in the building.
“We are still determining the sequence of events. However, information right now has led us to determine that this was not a deliberate act,” Nebrija said.
He noted that all 96 children who were in the building at the time of the incident had been accounted for, and all parents had been notified. Earlier, police asked parents to go to Thornbush Court on the north side of the building to be reunited with their children.
“We can appreciate that this is a very alarming call for parents to receive and to attend at the end of their day,” Nebrija said.
“This is very disturbing for those who either witnessed or heard what happened here today, and we encourage those who are affected to please reach out to victim services.”
In an Instagram story, the daycare said it was heartbroken and deeply saddened by what tragic incident.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family during this incredibly difficult time,” the daycare said.
‘This is just a nightmare’
Richmond Hill Mayor West called the incident an “unimaginable tragedy.”
“I’m a parent as well and a citizen of this community, and this is just a nightmare that parents would have,” West told CP24 at the scene.
The mayor said the daycare is an important part of the community, as it’s one of the largest in Richmond Hill.
“I’m here mostly just to let those know that are affected directly by this that we are a community that’s very compassionate, very caring, and we are standing absolutely with those folks, shoulder to shoulder,” West said.
“We hopefully can share a little bit of the grief as a community, to this unimaginable loss. But I mean, we will be standing and doing what we need to do in the days and weeks to come.”
York Regional Police Chief Jim MacSween posted on social media that his thoughts are with the children, daycare employees and families impacted by the incident.
“No family should have to deal with a tragedy like this,” the chief said.
“(York Regional Police) will continue to investigate this incident and provide support to the victims and to the responding officers.”
Ontario Education Minister Paul Calandra also posted a statement on social media, saying he was deeply concerned by the incident.
“My thoughts are with the children, families, and staff impacted. Grateful to first responders for their swift action, and thinking of everyone affected during this very difficult time,” Calandra said.
