Four teenagers and a man are dead after a multi-vehicle crash on Friday near London, Ontario Provincial Police said.
Emergency crews responded around 4:30 p.m. to the crash northeast of London at Thorndale and Cobble Hills roads, Sgt. Ed Sanchuk said Saturday.
An SUV collided with a transport truck, which then collided with a second SUV, he said.
All five victims were in the first SUV, he said.
Two 17-year-old girls and a 16-year-old girl died at the scene, Sanchuk said. A 16-year-old girl and a 33-year-old man were taken to hospital where they were later pronounced dead.
The truck driver and the two people in the second SUV sustained minor injuries, he said.
“We’re not going to be releasing any further information, just to give that opportunity to the grieving and devastated families to just do that: grieve,” Sanchuk said.
Bluewater District School Board said in a statement on Saturday that the four teenagers were students at Walkerton District Community School, and the 33-year-old was a staff member. They had been returning to the school, located just over 100 kilometres north of the crash, following a sporting event near London.
“At this incredibly difficult time, we are supporting and respecting the privacy of the grieving families. We are unable to provide further details on the incident or identities of the individuals involved,” the statement said.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families directly impacted, as they deal with unimaginable grief and sadness through this sudden and heartbreaking loss.”
The school board is offering mental health supports to students and staff at the school in the weeks ahead.
Police are asking any witnesses in the area at the time of the crash to check their dash cam footage. Anyone with information is asked to contact police or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers.
In a post on X Saturday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he was “devastated” about the crash.
“My thoughts are with the families and loved ones grieving this terrible loss,” the post read.
