MAPLETON – Five children from Elmira have died following a devastating two-vehicle collision in Mapleton Township.
Emergency crews were called to the intersection of Wellington Road 12 and 4th Line shortly after 7:30 Friday evening following a crash involving a minivan and an SUV.
During a Saturday afternoon media briefing at the Fergus OPP Detachment, West Region OPP Chief Superintendent Dwight Thib confirmed that 11 people were involved in the collision.
Thib says four adults and one infant suffered serious injuries and remain in the hospital.
The driver of the SUV was also taken to the hospital with serious injuries and remains under medical care.
Thib says this is an unimaginable loss, “I extend our deepest condolences to the families, loved ones, and the community during this incredibly difficult time.”
The cause of the collision remains under investigation.
Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has information, such as dashcam footage, is asked to contact the Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
Meanwhile, Premier Doug Ford commented on the crash in a social media post on Saturday.
Ford said, “My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the children who were killed in the traffic collision that took place yesterday in Mapleton Township, and with those currently being cared for in hospital. This heartbreaking loss is being felt across the community and the entire province. Let’s all stand together with those who are grieving during this terrible time.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney also commented on the collision saying, “I was heartbroken to learn of the tragic road accident in Mapleton Township, Ontario, on Friday evening that took the lives of five children and left many more injured.”
The Mayor of Woolwich, Sandy Shantz, also issued a statement.
Full press conference below: (Saturday, June 13th)
Tragic Collision Claims the Lives of Five People in Wellington County https://t.co/Yt2YkB8zJI
— OPP West Region (@OPP_WR) June 13, 2026
