Provincial police are currently conducting an investigation into a tragic multi-vehicle accident that resulted in three fatalities and injuries to several others in Kawartha Lakes, Ontario.
The incident occurred at the junction of Highway 7 and New Heights Road around 6 p.m. on Saturday, where a passenger vehicle collided with four motorcycles, prompting an emergency response.
Tragically, the driver of the passenger vehicle, an 18-year-old male from Peterborough, was pronounced dead at the scene. Additionally, one of the motorcyclists, a 72-year-old man from Dunchurch, succumbed to his injuries on-site. Another motorcyclist, a 65-year-old man from Barrie, was airlifted to a hospital in the Toronto area with severe injuries and later passed away.
A third motorcyclist, a 30-year-old man from Sudbury, was initially taken to a local hospital and later transferred to a Toronto-area hospital for further treatment, while a fourth motorcyclist, a 36-year-old man from Sudbury, was treated and released at the scene.
Constable Jacob Daynes of the Ontario Provincial Police informed CBC Toronto that the road was closed for a considerable period to facilitate the investigation. The exact cause of the collision is still under investigation, and the direction of travel for each vehicle involved has yet to be determined.
Daynes mentioned that it appears the motorcyclists were likely traveling together as a group, but their specific relationships remain unknown. He emphasized the importance of driving at a safe speed and maintaining good visibility on the roads to ensure the safety of all road users.
Authorities have urged anyone with relevant information about the incident to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.