A 42-year-old City of Toronto traffic agent has died after being struck by a dump truck while directing traffic in the city’s east end Thursday morning.
Toronto police say officers responded to the area of Millwood Road and Overlea Boulevard at approximately 9 a.m. for reports of a pedestrian-involved collision.
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Speaking to reporters at the scene, shortly after 2 p.m., Duty Insp. Peter Wallace said a 33-year-old man was operating a dump truck that was making a left turn from southbound Millwood Road onto eastbound Overlea Boulevard when he struck the traffic agent.
“Emergency personnel arrived on scene and began life-saving measures. Sadly, however, the victim was pronounced deceased at the scene,” Wallace said.
The driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators, he noted.
“This is a heartbreaking incident, and our thoughts are with the victim’s family, loved ones, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time,” Wallace said. “As a traffic agent, he played a very important role in keeping our city moving safely.”
In a separate statement Thursday, Mayor Olivia Chow said she was “heartbroken” to learn of the death, calling it a “painful reminder” of the risks traffic agents face while working on city streets.
“Traffic agents do some of the most demanding work in our city. They work in live traffic, in all weather conditions, to keep people moving and protect pedestrians, cyclists and drivers,” Chow said.
“Every shift, they help us get where we’re going safely. We are deeply thankful for that service, and this loss is a painful reminder of the risks they take on our behalf.”
Chow also extended her condolences to the agent’s family, friends, and colleagues, saying the entire city stands with them as they grieve.
“Police are investigating and they have my full support as they work to understand exactly what happened,” she added.
Meanwhile, city officials said support services are being made available to employees affected by the death.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague and offer our heartfelt condolences to their family, friends and peers at this time,” city spokesperson Russell Baker said in a statement.
“As we navigate this together, we are making support services available to those of us who are feeling the gravity of this loss.”
Union calls attention to worker safety
Speaking near the scene, CUPE Local 79 president Nas Yadollahi said the death has left fellow traffic agents grieving and in shock.
“The worst thing that can happen to an organization and to a group of workers is to lose a worker on the job,” Yadollahi said.
“Behind us are a group of traffic agents who have gathered, and this is the essence of this community of these workers: they’re very close-knit.”
Yadollahi said the incident underscores the importance of ensuring proper health and safety measures are in place for employees working in live traffic.
“Every worker who leaves in the morning and goes to work absolutely should be able to come back home to their family and their loved ones,” she said.
Yadollahi also stressed that employees should feel comfortable raising workplace safety concerns and refusing unsafe work.
“They’re all in a state of shock. They’re all grieving, and we’re here to extend any kind of support that we can to the workers,” Yadollahi said.
‘A sober reminder’: Doug Ford
Ontario Premier Doug Ford went on to add that the incident is a “sober reminder” of the sacrifices and risks traffic agents face each day.
“My condolences go out to the family, loved ones and coworkers of the Toronto traffic agent who was killed while on the job at Thorncliffe Park earlier today,” he said in a statement posted to social media.
The Toronto police associate also extended their condolences to family saying they are “saddened” by the death.
“We recognize the dedication shown by unionized workers who serve our city every day. News of a loss while carrying out those duties is tragic and heartbreaking,” a statement on social media read.
Road closures remain in effect
Several road closures remain in effect, including Overlea Boulevard between Leaside Park Drive and Millwood Road, and Millwood Road between Redway Road and Pape/Donlands avenues.
Drivers are being advised to use alternate routes.
Wallace said the Toronto Police Traffic Services unit is working to establish the circumstances surrounding the collision.
“Our traffic service unit is working to gather all the facts, and we ask for your patience while we continue our investigation,” he said.
The investigation is ongoing.
Wallace said closures will remain for “a couple more hours.”
