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A single-vehicle crash that killed four teens, aged 15 to 19, in Puslinch early Saturday was an “unimaginable tragedy,” according to Ontario Provincial Police.
The dead included a 19-year-old man from Mississauga, a 19-year-old man from Brampton, a 17-year-old girl Mississauga and a 15-year-old girl from Milton, OPP Insp. Karen Madeiros said at a press conference Sunday.
“This is a devastating event that has impacted multiple families schools friend groups and communities across southern Ontario,” she said.
A 17-year-old girl with life-altering injuries and a 16-year-old girl with non-life-threatening injuries, both from Mississauga, remain in hospital, Madeiros said.
Officers were called to a rural area southeast of Guelph shortly after 1:30 a.m. Saturday. In the area of Watson Road S. and Wellington Road 34, a vehicle had left the road, struck a guardrail and fallen into a ravine, Madeiros said.
“Four young people have lost their lives in a matter of moments. Families have been forever changed and an entire community is searching for answers,” she said.
Roads remain closed in the area due to a damaged guardrail after a fatal crash in Puslinch, said the OPP. Roads will be reopened once it is safe to use for all road users. (Diego Pizarro/CBC)
She urged anyone with information or footage to contact the Wellington County OPP. Details that might seem insignificant could actually be valuable to investigators piecing together the circumstances of this tragedy, Madeiros said.
Roads remain closed due to the damaged guardrail and to ensure the safety of drivers in the area, she said.
Complex investigation ongoing: OPP inspector
Superint. Wendy Burrow expressed her condolences on behalf of the OPP for the lives lost in the crash, calling it an “unimaginable tragedy that claimed the lives of four young people.”
“These young people will never have the opportunity to realize their hopes, dreams and aspirations that they envisioned for their futures,” she said.
The OPP is supporting those affected by the crash and will ensure “every effort is made” to provide loved ones with answers on what happened, Burrow said.
The complex investigation is ongoing and officers are looking to determine what happened in the moments leading up to the crash, Madeiros said.
Investigators will look at whether speed and seatbelt use were factors, she said, adding that the vehicle was not believed to have had enough seatbelts for six people.
“Our responsibility is to ensure those answers are based on evidence, facts and a thorough investigation,” Madeiros said.
She said police are urging all road users to be vigilant and travel safely. Burrow added that officers will remember this tragedy and work to make roads safer for everyone.