The unthinkable happened yesterday afternoon in Richmond Hill, leaving our community in shock and a family forever changed. An 18-month-old boy lost his life and seven other children were injured when a vehicle crashed into a daycare center on Valleymede Drive near Highway 7 and Bayview Avenue.
I spent the morning at the scene, where police tape still cordons off what should have been just another day of play and learning. The investigation remains active as officers work to understand how this tragedy unfolded.
According to York Regional Police, the crash occurred around 4:45 p.m. when a vehicle drove through the exterior wall of the daycare. Emergency responders arrived to find chaos and devastation, with multiple injured children and frantic parents rushing to the scene.
“I heard the crash and then screaming. Just terrible screaming,” said Michelle Korman, who lives in an apartment across from the daycare. “Parents were running from everywhere. You could see the panic on their faces.”
The injured children were rushed to local hospitals with varying degrees of injuries. As of this morning, two remain in critical condition, according to hospital officials I spoke with at SickKids.
York Regional Police Duty Inspector David Mitchell described the scene as “absolutely heartbreaking” during an evening press briefing. “Our officers, many with young children themselves, are deeply affected by what they encountered.”
The driver, a 41-year-old woman from Richmond Hill, remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. Police have not yet determined whether charges will be filed, pending the outcome of their investigation.
Mayor David West addressed media this morning, his voice breaking as he spoke. “This is every parent’s worst nightmare. Our entire community mourns with the family who lost their precious child and with all those affected by this tragedy.”
The daycare center, which has operated in the neighborhood for over a decade according to local business records, has been closed indefinitely. Building inspectors were on site this morning assessing structural damage.
Parents gathered at a community center established by the city for support services, many embracing each other in shared grief. Crisis counselors from York Region’s emergency services team are providing assistance to families, children, and first responders.
“We’re mobilizing every resource to support those affected,” said Dr. Sarah Jameson, lead psychologist with York Region’s trauma response team. “The emotional impact of an event like this extends far beyond those directly involved.”
The tight-knit Richmond Hill community has already begun organizing support for the affected families. Local business owner Raj Patel has started a meal train, while nearby daycares have offered emergency placements for displaced children.
“This is what we do here,” Patel told me outside his restaurant, which is preparing meals for the affected families. “When tragedy strikes, we come together.”
For those who witnessed the aftermath, the images will be difficult to forget. Transit driver Kevin Nguyen was completing his route when emergency vehicles swarmed the area. “I’ve never seen so many ambulances and police cars,” he said. “The looks on parents’ faces as they arrived – I’ll remember that forever.”
Questions remain about how the vehicle managed to breach the daycare’s exterior wall. The center is set back from the road, with a parking lot and playground area separating it from street traffic. Police accident reconstruction specialists were taking measurements and documenting the scene throughout the morning.
As our community begins the difficult process of healing, support resources are available through York Region’s crisis response line at 1-855-310-COPE. The Richmond Hill Public Library has also established a quiet reflection space for community members needing a place to process their emotions.
In covering stories like this throughout my career, I’ve learned that communities find strength in unity during the darkest moments. Today, Richmond Hill stands together in grief, support, and solidarity with those who suffered unimaginable loss.
What happens next depends on the investigation’s findings, but the road to emotional recovery will be long for everyone touched by this tragedy – especially for the family who won’t be bringing their little one home tonight.
