On Friday, around 4:30 p.m., OPP from Middlesex and Oxford Counties along with fire and EMS responded to a crash at the intersection of Thorndale Road and Cobble Hills Road. An SUV collided with a transport truck, which then struck a second SUV.
The 33-year-old male driver of the first SUV was rushed to the hospital with serious, life-threatening injuries but was later pronounced dead. Tragically, three teenage passengers—two 17-year-old females and a a 16-year-old female were pronounced dead at the scene. A fifth passenger, another 16-year-old female, was airlifted by Ornge to the hospital, where she also later passed away.
The driver and passenger of the second SUV, along with the transport truck driver, suffered only minor injuries.
Investigators are asking anyone who may have been in the area at the time of the crash to review any dashcam footage they may have, in case it captured the incident or the vehicles involved.
Written by: C. Soares
UPDATE:
OPP have not released the names of the victims, but CTV News has confirmed their names and photos through friends.
The teacher has been identified as Matt Eckert, a beloved school coach, and an assistant coach with the Owen Sound Junior B Northstars Lacrosse Club.
The four students have been identified as Olivia Rourke, Rowan McLeod, Kaydance Ford, and Danica Baker.
A candlelight vigil will be held Sunday evening at dusk at their school, Walkerton District Community School.
(Photo: Canadian Press)
(Photo: Skilled Truckers Canada and CTV)
Additional story from The Canadian Press