5 Children Dead After Van, SUV Collide Northwest of Kitchener-Waterloo

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are investigating a 2-vehicle collision near Conestogo Lake on June 13, 2026 that claimed the lives of 5 children.

What Happened?

• Emergency crews responded to reports of a crash involving a van and an SUV at the intersection of 4th Line and Wellington Road 12 — northwest of Kitchener-Waterloo.
• OPP confirmed that the van had 10 occupants, while the driver of the SUV was the sole occupant of their vehicle.
• 5 children in the van ranging in age from 4 to 12, have been pronounced dead. The deceased children are all from the same family.
• The 5 other occupants of the van — 4 adults and an infant — as well as the driver of the SUV were rushed to hospital with serious injuries.
• A photo of the scene shows tow trucks removing the vehicles from the scene. Both the van and the SUV were almost unrecognizable following the crash.

Investigation Updates

The cause of the fatal collision remains under investigation. It’s unclear if charges are pending.

🔔 Anyone with information on this tragic incident, including cellphone or dashcam footage, is asked to contact the OPP.

Car Accident Near You? What to Do

Following an incident like this near Kitchener-Waterloo, you should:

1. Avoid the accident area so that officials can safely investigate.
2. Reduce speed appropriately when passing emergency vehicles.
3. Remain vigilant when travelling past the accident area.

Your Rights After a Car Accident Near Kitchener-Waterloo

If you’re injured in a car accident near Kitchener-Waterloo — whether as a driver, passenger, cyclist, or pedestrian — you may be entitled to:

• Accident benefits under Ontario’s Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS).
• Additional compensation through a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Ontario imposes strict timelines — some insurer deadlines are days after an accident. Speak to a Kitchener-Waterloo personal injury lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP before accepting a settlement.