Three children dead after a suspected impaired driving crash on Highway 401. A 19-year-old man faces multiple charges. Investigation ongoing.
In a heartbreaking incident early Sunday morning, a suspected impaired driver caused a horrific crash on Toronto’s Highway 401, leaving three children dead and a family devastated. The crash occurred near the Renforth Drive off-ramp at approximately 12:30 a.m., according to Toronto police.
High-Speed Collision Ends in Heartbreak
Police say a 19-year-old man driving a Dodge Caravan at high speed lost control on the eastbound exit ramp at Renforth Drive. The vehicle veered over a raised median and slammed into a Chrysler Pacifica that had stopped at a red light.
Inside the Pacifica were a 35-year-old mother, her four children, and a 40-year-old family friend who was driving the minivan. The impact proved fatal for three of the children.
Young Lives Lost
A 15-year-old and a 13-year-old died at the scene. A six-year-old girl was rushed to hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. A 10-year-old child, along with the mother and family friend, were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
“This is a devastating loss. A family is torn apart,” said Acting Inspector Baheer Sarbanandan at a press briefing.
Teen Driver Facing Serious Charges
Police have charged Ethan Lehouillier, 19, of Georgetown, Ontario, with:
- 3 counts of impaired driving causing death
- 3 counts of dangerous driving causing death
- 3 counts each of impaired and dangerous driving causing bodily harm
He was reportedly the sole occupant of the Dodge Caravan. Police are asking for any witnesses or dashcam footage from drivers who may have seen the vehicle on Highway 401 prior to the crash.
Ongoing Investigation
Renforth Drive remains closed as authorities continue their investigation. Police urge anyone with information to contact them directly or submit an anonymous tip via Crime Stoppers.
Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for updates on this developing story and more news that matters to your community.
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