Three kids killed in Toronto crash, teen charged as Renforth Drive Ramps remain closed

A deadly collision on Highway 401 in Toronto’s west end has left three children dead. The crash happened at approximately 12:33 a.m. ET (GMT‑4) on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at the eastbound Renforth Drive off‑ramp in Etobicoke.

What happened in Toronto Car Crash?

A family car with six people, four children, and two adults was stopped on the off‑ramp. A second vehicle struck it from behind. Two children died instantly at the scene. A third child was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to injuries. The surviving child and both adults remain hospitalized; their conditions are not yet known.

Who is arrested in the Toronto crash accident?

Toronto police arrested the driver of the second car, a 19‑year‑old man, at the scene. He faces charges of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. No names have been released.

Renforth Drive eastbound remains closed while collision investigators work. Police ask any witnesses or drivers with dash‑cam footage to contact Traffic Services’ collision investigators.

This crash recalls the 2015 Vaughan tragedy, where three children and their grandfather were killed on Highway 400. It occurred on September 27, 2015 when Daniel, Harrison, Milagros (Milly) Neville-Lake, and their grandfather, Gary Neville, were killed by a drunk driver, Marco Michael Muzzo, who sped through a stop sign and collided with their vehicle in Vaughan, Ontario That incident spurred stricter impaired driving laws in Canada.

Local residents expressed shock and grief. “This hits home,” said one Etobicoke neighbour. “We need safer roads and stricter enforcement.” Advocacy groups continue to press for harsher penalties for impaired driving.

Police will present evidence to the Ontario Special Prosecutions Unit. The 19‑year‑old is expected to appear in court later this week.