Four teens aged 15 to 19 dead, two seriously injured in Puslinch crash

PUSLINCH – A vehicle carrying six teenagers hit a guardrail and crashed into a ravine here early on Saturday morning. 

A Milton girl, 15, Mississauga girl, 17, and two 19-year-old males, one from Mississauga and one from Brampton, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Two others were transported to hospital with serious injuries. 

A Mississauga girl, 17, sustained life-altering injuries and a 16-year-old girl, also from Mississauga, is in non-life-threatening condition.  

Police, who say they do not believe there were enough seatbelts in the vehicle for the number of occupants, are investigating the cause of the collision, including whether speed, alcohol or drugs were factors.

It is not known where the teens were coming from or headed to, and police would not say whether any were from the same families. 

The single-vehicle crash took place at about 1:35am on Oct. 31 on Watson Road South, between Maltby Road East and Wellington Road 34, east of Guelph in Puslinch Township. 

That stretch of road will remain closed while the damaged guardrail is replaced. 

“We are examining all available evidence to determine what occurred in the moments leading up to the collision,” said Wellington OPP detachment commander inspector Karen Medeiros during a press conference at the Rockwood station on Sunday morning.

West Region OPP superintendent Wendy Burrow said, “We stand alongside all of those who are mourning this profound loss while the investigation continues.

“We remain focused on supporting those affected and ensuring that every effort is made to provide answers."

Medeiros called the crash a “devastating event that has deeply impacted multiple families, schools, friend groups and communities across southern Ontario. 

“Four young people have lost their lives in a matter of moments.”

“Families have been forever changed,” Medeiros later added, her voice shaking.

"And an entire community is searching for answers. Our responsibility is to ensure those answers are based on facts, evidence and a thorough investigation.”

She acknowledged the first responders on scene, including police officers, firefighters, paramedics, dispatchers and victim services personnel, noting their "professionalism, compassion and dedication ... has been exceptional."   

Police are asking anyone with information, dash camera footage and other video recordings to contact the Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

Medeiros said, “Even information that might seem insignificant could prove valuable to investigators as they piece together the events ... 

“This tragedy is a heartbreaking reminder of the lives that will be forever changed by a serious collision. We urge all road users to please remain vigilant and travel safely.”