Three youths lost their lives and another is in critical condition following a solo vehicle collision on an unpaved road close to Hanover. The tragic incident involved four teenagers, all students at John Diefenbaker Senior School in Hanover and aged between 15 and 17, as reported by West Grey Police Constable Allyson Iles.
Of the four teens involved, three – two boys and a girl – were ejected from the vehicle and succumbed to their injuries at the scene. The fourth teenager, a boy, was trapped in the car when rescue teams arrived and required extrication. He was initially taken to Hanover District Hospital and later airlifted by Ornge air ambulance to London, according to Iles. The crash took place around noon on Concession Road 2 SDR near Allan Park Road.
The tragic event occurred shortly after a Remembrance Day assembly at the school, with students on a lunch break, as per a parent’s account to CBC News. Constable Iles expressed the heavy toll the incident took on the first responders involved.
This fatal crash follows a similar tragedy from six months ago, where four teenagers and a teacher from the nearby Walkerton community lost their lives in a separate collision. The community is rallying together to support each other through this trying time, with families and friends seeking solace amidst the profound loss. Hanover Mayor Sue Paterson extended condolences to the affected families and emphasized the community’s commitment to standing united in the face of adversity.
The Bluewater District School Board announced the dispatch of a trauma response team to provide counseling and assistance to those affected by the tragedy, recognizing the widespread impact on various school communities in the region. The board acknowledged the deep connections and sorrow felt by students and staff, echoing sentiments of loss and remembrance for the departed young souls.