Residents say a stretch of road in Puslinch, Ont., where four young people were killed in a crash on Oct. 31, was infamous for its sharp curves.
“Those corners have been known to cause a lot of crashes,” explained Sage Bearinger. “They’re very tight and they come on very sudden. It’s known around here for that to happen a lot.”
Ontario Provincial Police said a vehicle travelling on Watson Road South drove through a guard rail and plunged into the ravine below. It happened around 1:35 a.m. just before a bend in the road between Maltby Road East and Wellington Road 34.
Four people were pronounced dead at the scene.
Police have only identified them as a 19-year-old man from Mississauga, a 19-year-old man from Brampton, a 17-year-old girl from Mississauga and 15-year-old girl from Milton.
“The surviving occupants include a 17-year-old female who remains in hospital with life altering injuries, and a 16-year-old female who sustained non-life-threatening injuries,” said Wellington County OPP Insp. Karen Medeiros at a press conference on Sunday.
Both were from Mississauga.
Police are still trying to piece together what happened right before the crash.
“I don’t believe that this vehicle had enough seatbelts for the amount of occupants who were in the vehicle at that time,” Insp. Karen Medeiros, with Wellington County OPP, said at a press conference on Sunday. “At this stage of the investigation, it’s too early to determine exactly what caused the collision. Investigators continue to gather information and carefully assess all the available evidence, including information related to speed and seat belt use as they work to establish the circumstances surrounding the collision.”
Curve caution
Sage Bearinger is familiar with Watson Road South as she grew up nearby. She said the road can be difficult to navigate at night, especially for drivers who are not familiar with the area.
“It’s kind of known around here for that to happen a lot,” she told CTV News.
Despite this, Bearinger was surprised to hear about the lives lost early Saturday morning.
“I obviously thought it was terrible,” she said. “Such a tragedy.”
Remembering the victims
Police have not released any further details about the young people who were killed or hurt, including who was behind the wheel.
The Peel District School Board, meantime, confirmed one of them was a current student.
“We are deeply saddened by the deaths of four young people in this collision, including one current and two former Peel District School Board students. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of all four young people. Our thoughts are also with the two young people who were injured, and their families and friends. We are providing supports to students, their families, and staff for as long as it is needed.”
— Peel District School Board
At Sunday’s press conference, OPP acknowledged the “unimaginable loss” felt by many.
“Four young people have lost their lives, in a matter of moments,” Insp. Medeiros said. “Families have been forever changed, and an entire community is searching for answers. Our responsibility is to ensure those answers are based on evidence, facts and a thorough investigation. That work will continue in the days and weeks ahead.”
Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish was one of many who shared their condolences online.
“I’m deeply saddened by the death of four young people in this weekend’s tragic car accident in Puslinch. Two were from Mississauga. My heart is with all the families as they endure this horrendous tragedy. I’m also thinking of the two young girls who remain in hospital and keeping them and their families in my thoughts. This will have an enormous impact on their families, schools, friends and the entire community.”
— Carolyn Parrish, Mississauga mayor
The families, she added, should be given the time and space to grieve.
Road closed
Watson Road South remains closed between Maltby Road East and Wellington Road 34.
Police said that was due to the damaged guard rail and concerns about safety on the road.
With reporting from Alexandra Holyk and Hannah Schmidt
