People are stepping up to help after five children died and other members of the same family were injured in a crash between a van and an SUV in Elmira, Ont., on Friday.
Police haven’t released the names of the individuals in the crash. But on Monday, CBC News spoke to Nancy Doerksen, the second oldest daughter, who wasn’t in the van at the time.
Doerksen didn’t want to give an interview, but gave permission for CBC News to use a photograph showing her and husband Henry on their wedding day. The photo, which shows the entire family, including the four girls and one boy who lost their lives, is in a fundraising campaign started online by Doerksen.
“My family is living through a tragedy that no one should ever have to face,” she says on the GoFundMe page launched Sunday that had raised over $150,000 by Monday evening.
“In a devastating accident, we lost five precious children who were deeply loved by all of us.”
The crash occurred at the intersection of 4th Line and Wellington Road 12, in Mapleton Township, northwest of Kitchener. Police said the children were four, six, eight, 10 and 12 years old.
Ontario Provincial Police Const. Matthew Burton confirmed to CBC News the 10 family members in the passenger van included two adults, two older adults, five children and one infant, all from the Elmira area. The driver of the SUV was the sole occupant and critically injured.
“Out of respect for the privacy of the family, we won’t be releasing the names of the victims involved in this occurrence, but know that once more information becomes available, we will be releasing an update with additional details,” he said in an email.
Ontario community in shock after crash kills 5 children
Doerksen says on the fundraising page that her mother was seriously injured and remains in hospital “suffering from multiple injuries, including injuries to her kidney, liver, gallbladder, broken ribs and pelvic bone, along with extensive bruising and trauma.”
The infant, “our youngest brother,” is also in hospital, she adds.
“We have created this fundraiser to help ease the financial burden facing our family, including funeral expenses, travel costs, lost income, and the many unexpected needs that come with such a tragic loss.”
Sandy Shantz, the mayor of Woolwich Township where Elmira is located, said she was shocked and saddened by news of the crash.
“A tragedy like this, you mourn the loss of five young lives that don’t get to grow up and live a full life,” Shantz said.
“It’s been a sense of the enormity of the tragedy and concern for the family,” the mayor said, adding many people are worried about the well-being of the family and the friends of those involved.
Shantz said Elmira has a population of about 12,000 and a large number of those residents are religious, namely Mennonite.
She said the community is made up of people of different denominations and creeds, and they’re supportive, particularly in times of tragedy.
“I think the community comes together and surrounds them … a sense of faith can give them strength to handle it.”
