Tragic crash in Canada claims lives of infant, elderly couple visiting from India

The Consulate General of India in Toronto extended condolences and assistance, while local authorities intensified investigations into the accident.

A highway accident site / Representational Stock Image

An elderly couple visiting from India and their three-month-old grandson were killed in a multi-vehicle collision on Highway 401 in Whitby on Apr.29, according to a statement released by the Ontario Special Investigations Unit.

"From the Nissan Sentra involved in the collision: A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman – both visiting from India – were killed in the collision. Their three-month-old grandson was also pronounced deceased at the scene,” the news release from SIU Ontario read.
In this same vehicle were the parents of the infant – the 33-year-old father and 27-year-old mother.

“The parents, residents of Ajax, were both taken to hospital for treatment. The mother was treated for serious injuries that she suffered," the statement added.

The Consulate General of India in Toronto has expressed condolences over the incident and said that their office was in touch with Canadian authorities for further correspondence on the issue.

"Heartfelt condolences on tragic loss of Indian nationals Mr. Manivannan, Mrs. Mahalakshmi & their grandchild in the Highway 401 collision. CG met the bereaved family at the hospital & assured all possible assistance. We are in touch with Canadian authorities," the Consulate office posted on X.

The cargo van involved in the crash also suffered casualties. "From the cargo van initially being investigated by police and involved in the collision: The 21-year-old male driver was pronounced deceased at the scene. The 38-year-old male passenger was transported to hospital for treatment of serious injuries," the SIU statement said.

Seven investigators, one forensic investigator and one collision reconstructionist have been allotted by the local police to probe the case.