Family prepares to bury 5 children killed in devastating Ontario crash
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- Five children died in a two-vehicle collision in Mapleton Township, Ontario, on June 12.
- The children, aged 4 to 12, were passengers in a van that collided with an SUV.
- The family is facing significant grief and financial strain as they prepare for funerals and recovery.
A community is preparing to mourn the loss of five young siblings who perished in a devastating car crash in rural Ontario. Peter Doerksen, 10, Helena Doerksen, 8, Sara Doerksen, 6, Maggie Doerksen, 4, and Susy Doerksen, 12, died following a two-vehicle collision on June 12 in Mapleton Township.
It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of five beloved children.
The children were among 10 occupants in a passenger van that collided with an SUV. Four adults and an infant traveling in the van also sustained serious injuries, as did the driver of the SUV. The family's grief is described as "beyond words," with the children's mother remaining hospitalized for multiple injuries, including broken ribs and pelvic bone, and extensive trauma.
Our mom remains in the hospital suffering from multiple injuries, including injuries to her kidney, liver, gallbladder, broken ribs and pelvic bone, along with extensive bruising and trauma.
Their father is recovering at home while caring for the family. A crowdfunding appeal has been launched to help cover funeral expenses and other costs as the family navigates their recovery. The tragedy has deeply affected the region, with Prime Minister Mark Carney extending his condolences and thanking first responders for their swift actions.
My thoughts are with the family and their loved ones as they face this horrific tragedy, and with the people of Elmira and Mapleton.
The investigation into the collision is ongoing, with police yet to release information regarding potential charges. The community now rallies around the grieving family as they lay their children to rest.
I offer my sincere thanks to the first responders for their swift action and support of those who were injured.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Global News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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