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A single-vehicle crash that killed four teens, aged 15 to 19, in Puslinch early Saturday was an “unimaginable tragedy,” according to Ontario Provincial Police.
The dead included a 19-year-old man from Mississauga, a 19-year-old man from Brampton, a 17-year-old girl Mississauga and a 15-year-old girl from Milton, OPP Insp. Karen Madeiros said at a press conference Sunday.
“This is a devastating event that has impacted multiple families schools friend groups and communities across southern Ontario,” said Madeiros.
A 17-year-old girl with life-altering injuries and a 16-year-old girl with non-life-threatening injuries remain in hospital, Madeiros said.
Officers were called to a rural area southeast of Guelph shortly after 1:30 a.m. Saturday. In the area of Watson Road S. and Wellington Road 34, a vehicle had left the road, struck a guardrail and fallen into a ravine, Madeiros said.
Roads were closed in the area on Saturday as investigators were at the scene of the crash, the OPP said. (Andrew Collins/CBC)
“Four young people have lost their lives in a matter of moments. Families have been forever changed and an entire community is searching for answers,” she said.
She urged anyone with information or footage to contact the Wellington County OPP.
Details that might seem insignificant could actually be valuable to investigators piecing together the circumstances of this tragedy, Madeiros said.
Complex investigation ongoing: OPP inspector
Superint. Wendy Burrow expressed her condolences on behalf of the OPP for the lives lost in the crash, calling it an “unimaginable tragedy that claimed the lives of four young people.”
“These young people will never have the opportunity to realize their hopes, dreams and aspirations that they envisioned for their futures,” she said.
The OPP is supporting those affected by the crash and will ensure “every effort is made” to provide loved ones with answers on what happened, Burrow said.
The complex investigation is ongoing and officers are looking to determine what happened in the moments leading up to the crash, Madeiros said. Investigators will look at whether speed and seatbelt use were factors, she said.
“Our responsibility is to ensure those answers are based on evidence, facts and a thorough investigation,” Madeiros said.
