What started as a normal afternoon at a Richmond Hill daycare turned into heartbreak when an SUV crashed into the building. Around 3 p.m., a vehicle suddenly drove through the front window of First Roots Early Education Academy, a daycare located near Yonge Street and Nottingham Drive.
Inside were dozens of children and staff members. By the time the scene settled, one child was dead, several others were injured, and the community was shaken.
Police confirmed that the child who died was a boy, only one and a half years old. He was rushed to hospital but could not be saved.
Six other children, aged between one and a half and three years old, were also hurt. One child remains in hospital with serious injuries, while the others are expected to recover. Three daycare staff members were also treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
The daycare had 96 children inside at the time, but thankfully all were accounted for after the crash. Parents were quickly notified.
York Regional Police arrested a man in his 70s at the scene. He had been driving the SUV that crashed into the daycare.
Police have stated that the crash was not a deliberate act. They are still investigating how it happened and what led the vehicle to suddenly drive through the window.
Constable Kevin Nebrija told reporters, “We are still determining the sequence of events, but the information we have at this time shows this was not intentional.”
Witnesses described the crash as shocking and chaotic. Parents rushed to the daycare after receiving alarming calls, terrified for their children’s safety.
Police said the SUV was parked in the lot before the accident and then, “for reasons unknown,” drove forward into the daycare building.
Constable Nebrija explained, “This was a very chaotic scene. We can appreciate how alarming this was for parents to hear and then to arrive here.”
The tragedy has left families and the community heartbroken. Richmond Hill Mayor David West called the incident “unimaginable” and “terribly shocking.” He urged the community to come together and support one another.
“This is the kind of event that shakes us to the core,” he said.
Parents who were nearby shared how shaken they were. One father, Ramin Esmaeili, said his wife had been scheduled to visit the centre to register their children that very day. “It’s unbelievable. We have children ourselves. This is very, very sad,” he said.
The daycare released a statement expressing deep sorrow:
“We are heartbroken and deeply saddened by the tragic incident at our centre. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family at this incredibly difficult time.”
Ontario Education Minister Paul Calandra also spoke about the tragedy, saying his thoughts were with the families and staff, and he thanked first responders for their swift actions.
York Regional Police Chief Jim MacSween also offered condolences, saying, “No family should ever have to deal with a tragedy like this.”
Police are continuing their investigation, collecting evidence and speaking to witnesses. Roads around the daycare were closed for hours as officers examined the scene.
At this time, no charges have been laid, but police confirmed they are still working to determine exactly what happened.
They have also encouraged parents, staff, and anyone affected by the crash to reach out to victim services for mental health support.
What happened in Richmond Hill has deeply touched people across Ontario and beyond. The loss of a young life is something no parent or community ever wants to face.
Families are hugging their children tighter, and neighbours are offering support. The daycare, the parents, and the entire Richmond Hill community will need time and care to heal from such a devastating tragedy.
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