Messages of condolence and anguish continue to flow in the wake of the death of an eight-year-old girl, mortally wounded Tuesday night after she and nine others were struck by a vehicle driving onto the sidewalk on the west end of London Ontario.
London-area community leaders and residents, as well as local, provincial and federal politicians, including the Prime Minister, have been among those offering words of support following the tragedy, which occurred around 6:45 p.m. a along Riverside Drive west of Wonderland Road.
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London Ontario. Accident: an 8-year-old girl dies, members of the Guides of Canada among the pedestrians run over
“This is more than tragic. All Londoners share this pain. Our thoughts also remain fixed on those still in the hospital as we wait and pray for a full recovery, ”said London Mayor Ed Holder in a tweet issued shortly before noon.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ontario Prime Minister Doug Ford expressed similar sentiments, with Trudeau tweeting that the news from London “breaks my heart.”
“To the family and friends of the child who passed away, know that Canadians across the country are here to help them. And to those who were injured, we wish everyone a speedy and full recovery. We will keep you in our thoughts, ”he said.
A photo of the crash site seen on Tuesday, November 30, 2021.
Credit: Mable Flannigan
In a statement, Ford, who was scheduled to arrive in London on Wednesday afternoon to visit the crash site and lay flowers, said his heart broke for the family of the girl who died.
“The rest of Ontario mourns you during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are also with those who were injured, as I wish for them to make a full recovery. “
Erin O’Toole, leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, said in a tweet that it was “heartbreaking to read about this tragic loss of life.”
“I cannot imagine the devastation that family and friends feel today. Know that all of Canada is in mourning for you, ”he said.
At least 10 pedestrians between the ages of six and 40 were injured, and several were taken to hospital by paramedical services, including the girl who later died, police said.
In a statement, Girl Guides of Canada confirmed that its members were among those involved. No further information was provided and a follow-up query was not returned.
The Thames Valley District School Board confirmed Wednesday afternoon that four of its students, including the eight-year-old boy who was fatally injured, were among the injured.
“On behalf of Thames Valley, I want to express my deepest condolences to the families, friends and community members who have been affected by this sad event,” said Mark Fisher, TVDSB director of education, in a statement. “We are also grateful for the actions of our first responders and hospital staff.”
“Members of the Board’s Traumatic Event Response Team have been dispatched to affected schools to offer direct support to students and staff.”
Separately, the London District Catholic School Board confirmed that one of its students from Notre Dame Catholic Primary School was among the injured and in hospital.
In a letter sent home to Notre Dame parents, the board said the student had been walking with her group of Guides when she was hit.
“The student remains in the hospital and is currently in stable condition,” the letter says.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with our student and family at this time. An event like this can be difficult for a close community like ours. Please feel free to contact the school if you think your child would benefit from speaking with an adult here at the school. “
A small monument stands along Riverside Drive near Wonderland Road on Wednesday, December 1, 2021.
Scott Monich / 980 CFPL
In an update Wednesday afternoon, police said at least four children and one adult remained in the hospital in good condition, while one child was hospitalized in good condition. A teenager and two children suffered minor injuries and have since been discharged from the hospital.
The 76-year-old driver behind the wheel of the vehicle involved was not injured in the accident, police said.
Police said a preliminary investigation revealed that the motorist was driving west on Riverside Drive when she collided with a stopped vehicle at a red light in Wonderland. Riverside Drive slopes into the intersection, however the cause of the initial crash is unclear.
The vehicle continued through the intersection, up onto a sidewalk, hitting a utility pole, hitting a small tree and then hitting a group of pedestrians walking east on the north side of Riverside, police said.
Investigators have stated that there was nothing to indicate it was an intentional act. A second vehicle is believed to have also been hit, and police are asking the driver to report.
“My heart goes out to the family who lost their young daughter in this tragic accident and prayers for the rest of the people who are recovering,” Arielle Kayabaga, MP from London West, the place where the collision occurred, said in a tweet.
“Strength to families and our #LdnOnt community as we process this.”
Other London-area politicians, including MPs Teresa Armstrong and Peter Fragiskatosas well as MPP Mount McNaughton, Peggy sattler and Terence kernaghan They were among those who issued statements of support, with Fragiskatos calling the incident an “unspeakable tragedy.”
“Our community will keep the family in our thoughts and will continue to await the recovery of those still in the hospital. Thanks to the police and all the first responders for their continuous work, ”he said in a tweet.
No arrests had been made and no charges had been filed as of Wednesday afternoon, according to police.
“This is an ongoing investigation. It can take quite a long time as the traffic management unit officers continue to gather evidence and just find out exactly what happened,” said Const. Sandasha Bough.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the London Police or Crime Stoppers.
– with files from Jacquelyn LeBel, Andrew Graham and Ryan Rocca.
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