Police block off First Roots Early Education Academy after a car drove through its window in Richmond Hill, Ont. on Wednesday.Sammy Kogan/The Canadian Press
One toddler is dead and six others injured, along with three adults, after an SUV plowed into a daycare north of Toronto.
York Regional Police say the vehicle went into the building at Yonge Street and Nottingham Drive, in Richmond Hill, Ont., at 3 p.m.
A 1.5-year-old boy was pronounced dead, while another child sustained serious injuries, police said. Five other children and three adult staff members sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
A driver in his 70s was arrested at the scene. Police said they do not believe the act was deliberate, based on witness accounts.
Constable Kevin Nebrija said initial information suggested that the vehicle was in the parking lot at the time and accelerated through the front window for unknown reasons.
“As you can imagine, this was a very chaotic scene,” he said.
The daycare has been identified as First Roots Early Education Academy, which is described on its website as a Montessori/Reggio-based childcare centre for children aged three months to six years.
“Heartbroken and deeply saddened by the tragic incident at our centre,” the daycare said in a statement posted online. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family during this incredibly difficult time.”
There were 96 children attending daycare at the time of the incident, Const. Nebrija said. All others have been accounted for and parents have been notified.
Police remained at the scene early Wednesday evening. Small blue and green children’s chairs, and a basket of children’s toys, could be seen through a gaping hole where a large windowpane had shattered.
Richmond Hill Mayor David West described the community as compassionate and caring.
“We are standing with those folks shoulder to shoulder,” he said.
More to come.