Five young Canadian siblings killed in a horrible two-vehicle accident in rural Ontario have been laid to rest as their parents continue to recover from their injuries.
The siblings identified as Peter Doerksen, 12, Helena Doerksen, 10, Sara Doerksen, eight, Maggie Doerksen, six, and Susy Doerksen, four, were buried on Saturday following a funeral service at the Wallenstein Bible Chapel a day earlier.
According to reports, the accident that led to the death of the siblings occurred on the evening of June 12 when a passenger van carrying 10 people and a sport utility vehicle collided at an intersection in Wellington County.
The Global News reported that several other people were also injured in the incident, including the parents of the five siblings Cornelius Doerksen, Judit Doerksen and their infant child.
Both Mr Doerksen and the baby were later released from the hospital, while Ms Doerksen remained in hospital after suffering kidney, liver, gallbladder, broken ribs and pelvic bone injuries.
The 42-year-old male driver and lone occupant of the SUV was also pronounced dead at the hospital after succumbing to his injuries.
The sister of the victims, Nancy Doerksen, who was not in the car when the accident happened, later published in a GoFundMe page that her family has been left heartbroken.
“Our mom remains in the hospital suffering from multiple injuries, including injuries to her kidney, liver, gallbladder, broken ribs and pelvic bone, along with extensive bruising and trauma. At this time, we are unsure how long her recovery will take,” she wrote.
Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney also reacted to the incident, stating “My thoughts are with the family and their loved ones as they face this horrific tragedy, and with the people of Elmira and Mapleton.
“I offer my sincere thanks to the first responders for their swift action and support of those who were injured.”
Meanwhile, investigation was reportedly underway into the matter but police had yet to release any statement about possible criminal charges.
