Peel school board ‘deeply saddened’ after current, former students killed in crash

The Peel District School Board (PDSB) expressed its deep sorrow over the tragic loss of four young lives in a car accident that occurred in Puslinch, Ontario, just outside Guelph. Among the victims were three individuals connected to the school district, along with one current and two former students. Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) launched an investigation into the incident, questioning whether the absence of seatbelts played a role in the fatal crash, which also resulted in two more casualties.

Six young individuals from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) were on their way along Watson Road South early Saturday when the single-vehicle crash took place. The car veered off the road, collided with a guardrail, and plunged into a ravine. Authorities confirmed that a 17-year-old girl from Mississauga, a 15-year-old girl from Milton, and two 19-year-old men from Mississauga and Brampton succumbed to their injuries.

The 17-year-old girl from Mississauga was hospitalized with life-altering injuries, while a 16-year-old girl from Mississauga faced non-life-threatening injuries.

The school board conveyed its condolences to the families and friends of the deceased and assured that it is providing support to students, families, and staff affected by the incident. Due to the ongoing investigation, the board refrained from making further statements on the matter. Police suggested that the vehicle involved in the crash was not equipped with enough seatbelts for all six occupants, but they are also examining the possibility that speed might have been a contributing factor.