Toronto school board ‘heartbroken’ by loss of three students in deadly weekend crash

A Toronto school board mourned the loss of three students who died in a weekend collision allegedly caused by an impaired driver, as the teenager accused in the case made a brief court appearance on Tuesday.

Three children died and another one was hurt in the crash that took place shortly after midnight on Sunday at the eastbound off-ramp at Renforth Drive and Highway 401.

“We can confirm that all four children involved in the tragic car accident in Etobicoke this weekend are students of the Toronto Catholic District School Board,” the board said in a statement, noting that support and counselling will be offered to its students and staff.

“We are heartbroken by this loss, which will be felt deeply throughout our entire school community.”

A Toronto court heard Tuesday that a publication ban is in place to protect the children’s identities.

Toronto police have said that a 19-year-old driver of a Dodge Caravan was allegedly speeding while exiting the highway at Renforth Drive when he lost control, went over a raised median and collided with a Chrysler Pacifica minivan that was facing northbound while stopped at a red light.

Three children ranging in age from six to 15 died in the crash while their mother and a 10-year-old sibling were taken to hospital in stable condition, along with the man who was driving the Chrysler Pacifica.

Ethan Lehouillier of Georgetown, Ont., was arrested at the scene and is facing 12 charges, including three counts of impaired driving causing death and three counts of impaired driving causing bodily harm, police said.

Lehouillier briefly appeared in court Tuesday via video conference from a detention centre. He is expected to remain in custody until his next court appearance in June.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 20, 2025.