Five children dead, six others seriously injured in Mapleton crash

MAPLETON – An Elmira family is shattered after a deadly crash here on Friday evening.

Five children died in the two-vehicle collision, which also sent a toddler and five adults to hospital with serious injuries, including two in critical condition.

An SUV and a van carrying 10 people collided at 4th Line and Wellington Road 12, about five kilometers east of Conestogo Lake, in Mapleton Township, at around 7:30pm on June 12.

"It is with an extremely heavy heart that I stand before you today to provide an update on a tragic motor vehicle collision," said West Region OPP commander Dwight Thib during a June 13 press conference at the OPP station in Aboyne.

"Four girls, and one boy, ranging in age from four to 12 years old," have died, Thib said.

He confirmed the children were from the same family, as were the five other occupants of the passenger van.

The driver and lone occupant of the SUV is in hospital in critical condition.

"They were sent to various hospitals, and then some were transferred from the original hospital to other hospitals to seek appropriate care," Thib said, but he did not provide more more information about their conditions or injuries.

"I do know that a couple of them are very serious, though."

Of the fatalities, some were pronounced dead at the scene, and "at least one was pronounced later on at the hospital."

"This is an unimaginable loss," Thib said, offering condolences to the families, loved ones and community on behalf of the OPP.

"Emergency responders attended the scene and provided immediate care," he said. "I want to recognize their professionalism, dedication and compassion in responding to such a devastating incident.

"I would also like to thank the good Samaritans who stopped and provided assistance to our first responders during this tragedy."

Investigation ongoing

The press conference, which took place at 3pm, was livestreamed on West Region OPP's social media platforms.

At that time, the road remained closed and officers could not say when it may reopen.

The investigation is ongoing and no charges have been laid.

Thib would not comment on what may have led to the collision.

"It'll take some time – there's vehicle downloads, cellphone downloads, there's quite a bit to these investigations to cover all the evidence," he said.

He added, "Further details will be provided as new information becomes available."

West Region OPP sergeant Ed Sanchuk encouraged anyone who may have information to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or, to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

"Please take care, stay safe and get home safe with your families," Sanchuk said.

'Significant increase' of serious collisions

Friday's crash was the third that led to five deaths within the last 13 months in the OPP's West Region.

In May of 2025, four teens and one adult died in a crash near London and in March a crash in Norfolk County claimed the lives of two teens and three adults.

OPP officials have prepared an intersection safety education campaign that runs June 15 to 21 – a campaign that was already planned prior to Friday's crash.

"This just drives home the fact that all drivers have to be cognizant when they are coming up to an intersection ... and if it's a stop sign, stop," Thib said.

The intersection at 4th Line and Wellington Road 12 is a two-way stop for east- and west-bound traffic on 4th Line.

Thib said he did not know if running a stop sign or speed were factors in the June 12 crash.

"We've seen a significant increase in serious motor-vehicle collisions that are related to intersections, and people need to abide by whether it be a traffic light or a stop sign, and look both ways to make sure it's safe to proceed through the intersection or turn right or left," Thib said.

"We are finding more and more that people aren't doing that. They're slowing down and turning or going across and getting into collisions."

Sanchuk added, "Pay attention to your surroundings and make sure you are looking for those stop signs.

"Don't be paying attention to your GPS or phone."