1 child killed, 6 more hurt after vehicle drives into Richmond Hill, Ont., daycare: police

One child has been killed and six other children were injured after a vehicle drove into a daycare in Richmond Hill, Ont., on Wednesday, police say.

Police say the child who died was a one and a half-year-old boy. He was pronounced dead in hospital.

Of the six other children hurt, one is in hospital with serious injuries. The remainder are in non-life-threatening condition, along with three staff members. Police say the children struck range in age from one and a half to three years old.

A man in his 70s was arrested at the scene, according to York Regional Police. 

Police announced Thursday morning that a man had been charged with dangerous operation causing death and dangerous operation causing bodily harm in connection with the incident.

"We are still determining the sequence of events, however information right now has led us to determine that this was not a deliberate act," Const. Kevin Nebrija told reporters near the scene Wednesday.

The incident happened at about 3 p.m. at First Roots Early Education Academy in the area of Yonge Street and Nottingham Drive, south of Gamble Road, police said. The daycare centre was open at the time.

Nebrija said at the time of the crash, there were 96 children present in more than one room in the building.

"Our investigators are on scene collecting the evidence, going through the sequence of events, to determine exactly how far into the building it (the vehicle) went," he said.

All of the children have been accounted for and all parents have notified, police said.

'A very chaotic scene,' police say

Nebrija said the vehicle, an SUV, was in a parking lot before the crash and "for reasons unknown," the man drove through a front window of the daycare.

"As you can imagine, this was a very chaotic scene," Nebrija said. "We can appreciate that this was a very alarming call for parents to receive and to attend at the end of their day."

WATCH | Police say officers still trying to determine what happened:A child is dead, several others are injured and a man in his 70s is in custody after a vehicle drove into a daycare in Richmond Hill, Ont., on Wednesday, police said at a news conference. Police say the investigation is ongoing, but they don't believe it was a deliberate act.

York Regional Police Chief Jim MacSween said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that police are investigating and providing support to the victims and officers who responded.

"My thoughts are with the children, employees and families impacted by this devastating incident. No family should have to deal with a tragedy like this," MacSween said.

In a statement on Instagram, First Roots Early Education Academy said it is "heartbroken and deeply saddened by the tragic incident at our center. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family at this incredibly difficult time."

Incident 'terribly shocking,' mayor says

Richmond Hill Mayor David West said the incident is "unimaginable" and "terribly shocking." He said the city extends condolences to the family who lost a child on Wednesday and the families whose children were injured.

Richmond Hill Mayor David West says: 'We certainly are a strong and resilient community, but this is the kind of thing that really shakes us to the core.' (James Spalding/CBC)

"We certainly are a strong and resilient community, but this is the kind of thing that really shakes us to the core," West said.

"We need come together at a time like this for sure. This is something that no community, no parent, certainly none of us wants ever to happen."

Ramin Esmaeili, a parent, said his wife had an appointment at the centre to sign up their children for daycare. 

"It's obviously very sad. We have children and also my wife was supposed to come here today," Esmaeili said. "It's unbelievable."

In a post on X, Ontario Education Minister Paul Calandra said he is "deeply concerned" about the incident.

"My thoughts are with the children, families, and staff impacted. Grateful to first responders for their swift action, and thinking of everyone affected during this very difficult time," Calandra said.

Green and blue chairs are seen through the broken window of the daycare that a vehicle smashed into on Wednesday. (James Spalding/CBC)

Police asked people to avoid the area and to expect significant delays. They also encouraged parents and anyone else involved with the crash to reach out to victim services for mental health supports

Roads in the area were closed on Wednesday night as police investigated.