Five children killed in Ontario crash; family appeals for support

A family in rural Ontario is grappling with unimaginable grief after a devastating crash claimed the lives of five children on Friday evening. The collision occurred around 7:30 p.m. at the intersection of Wellington Road 12 and Fourth Line in Mapleton Township, northwest of Guelph.

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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. At this time, we are unsure how long her recovery will take.

Investigators reported that a passenger van carrying 10 individuals collided with an SUV carrying one person. The five children who perished ranged in age from four to 12 years old. Their sister, Nancy Doerksen, who was not in the vehicle at the time, described her family's "heartbreak and grief beyond words" on a crowdfunding page established to support them.

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This support will allow our family to focus on healing, recovery, and being together during this incredibly difficult time

Doerksen shared that their mother sustained multiple injuries, including to her kidney, liver, gallbladder, broken ribs, and pelvic bone, and is currently hospitalized. Their infant brother has been released from the hospital, while their father is recovering at home. Two friends of the family who were also in the van were injured, with one remaining in stable condition.

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My thoughts are with the family and their loved ones as they face this horrific tragedy, and with the people of Elmira and Mapleton. I offer my sincere thanks to the first responders for their swift action and support of those who were injured.

The crowdfunding page aims to alleviate the financial burden of funeral costs and unexpected travel expenses. As of Tuesday afternoon, over $250,000 had been raised. A separate fundraiser for the injured family friends has garnered nearly $20,000. The tragedy has prompted messages of condolence from Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier Doug Ford, who expressed the nation's sorrow and thanked first responders.

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Ontario is grieving during this terrible time.