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A pedestrian is dead and another suffered life-threatening injuries after two vehicles collided in Richmond Hill on Thursday, striking three people on a sidewalk, police say.
The collision happened in the intersection of Major Mackenzie Drive and Leslie Street, according to York Regional Police. Officers were called to the intersection for reports of a two-vehicle collision at 4:10 p.m.
When officers arrived, they learned that the three pedestrians had been hit, according to Staff Sgt. Stephen McKenzie of York Regional Police. The three were on the sidewalk and not in a nearby bus shelter, he added.
One pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene. A second pedestrian was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries while the third was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Next of kin is being notified but police have no plans to release details about the victims out of respect for their families, he said.
McKenzie said the collision knocked a light standard down but he could not say which vehicle struck the pedestrians or if they were struck by a light standard.
He said he had no information about the speed of the vehicles involved. He added there is nothing to suggest that impaired driving was a factor in the collision.
Both drivers remained at the scene, he said.
“Our investigation is ongoing and in its early stages and at this time no further details are available,” McKenzie said.
Witness jumps over a barrier to avoid getting hit
Endre Teleki, who witnessed the crash, said a speeding vehicle from Major Mackenzie Drive went into the intersection with Leslie Street and hit another vehicle. He said he called 911.
Teleki said he was about 15 metres away from the crash and he jumped off the sidewalk over a barrier.
“There was a huge crash. I had to jump out of the way so I didn’t get hit by the car,” Teleki said.
“I’m still kind of shocked,” he said. “It was going crazy speed.”
Police are shown here on the scene of a fatal crash in Richmond Hill on Thursday. (CBC)
Police said their major collision investigation unit is now in charge of the investigation and is looking all factors that may have led to the collision.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or who has relevant dashboard camera footage is urged to come forward to police.
Officers have closed the intersection as they investigate. Police said on Thursday night the intersection would be closed for several hours.
Motorists are urged to find alternate routes and avoid the area.