The Hampstead Tragedy: OPP blame van’s driver

Police confirmed today that the driver of the van was to blame for the catastrophic collision Monday night, that took 11 lives.

Investigators say the van driver – David Armando Blancas Hernandez, 45, of New Hamburg – went through a stop sign into the path of an oncoming truck.

CHCH News has been trying to confirm that he was driving a van for United Poultry. By phone, they wouldn’t confirm or deny that the van was theirs or that Hernandez was working for them.

They have promised a statement to CHCH News, but it has not been delivered as of air time.

Video: Al Sweeney reports:

Video: Adam Atkinson on the other victims in the van:

Two workers’ rights groups have set up a fund to help assist the families of the farm workers. UFCW Canada and the Agriculture Workers Alliance say donations to the Migrant Workers Family Support Fund can be made through Paypal or at any bank.

The account is set up at TD Canada Trust, transit 1864, account 5221618.

A special memorial Facebook page has also been set up, called the Hampstead Tragedy Memorial Page.

This Friday a prayer service will be held for all of the eleven victims killed in the crash, and their families.

The non-denominational service has been organized by the diocese of London, and will be held at St Joseph Catholic Church in Stratford beginning at 7 pm. The service will also recognize emergency personnel.