Two grandparents and their infant grandchild were killed on Monday evening after a van being pursued at high speeds by Durham police along Highway 401 in Whitby triggered a six-vehicle collision, snarling traffic for more than 12 hours.
Special Investigations Unit spokesperson Monica Hudon speaks to the media at the Henry Street overpass in Whitby on Tuesday morning after the SIU invoked its mandate to investigate the circumstances surrounding a multi-vehicle collision that killed four people just west of the bridge in the eastbound lanes of the 401 at 8:10 p.m. on Monday. The crash occurred following a police chase that started in Clarington.
What we know — and don’t know — about Monday night’s deadly Durham police pursuit that left 4 people dead
There are many questions, and few answers, after Durham police decision to chase an alleged liquor store thief ends with an infant, grandparents dead
The suspect’s vehicle hit a civilian’s vehicle, causing a collision that left a 55- and 60-year-old dead, as well as their grandchild. According to the SIU, an occupant in the cargo van was also killed.
Two grandparents and their infant grandchild were killed on Monday evening after a van being pursued at high speeds by Durham police along Highway 401 in Whitby triggered a six-vehicle collision, snarling traffic for more than 12 hours.
Colin Williamson photo
Two grandparents and their infant grandchild were killed on Monday evening after a van being pursued at high speeds by Durham police along Highway 401 in Whitby triggered a six-vehicle collision, snarling traffic for more than 12 hours.
Jason Miller/Toronto Star
Bowmanville LCBO where a robbery took place that led to the fatal collision involving police chase on Highway 401 in Whitby.
Colin Williamson photo
Four people are dead including an infant after a police chase on Highway 401 in Whitby.
Tim Kelly Metroland
Special Investigations Unit spokesperson Monica Hudon speaks to the media at the Henry Street overpass in Whitby on Tuesday morning after the SIU invoked its mandate to investigate the circumstances surrounding a multi-vehicle collision that killed four people just west of the bridge in the eastbound lanes of the 401 at 8:10 p.m. on Monday. The crash occurred following a police chase that started in Clarington.
Two grandparents and their infant grandchild were killed on Monday evening after a van being pursued at high speeds by Durham police along Highway 401 in Whitby triggered a six-vehicle collision, snarling traffic for more than 12 hours.
The Special Investigations Unit, which reviews the conduct of Ontario’s police officers, says the chase began in Clarington, after an off-duty officer was at an LCBO store and witnessed a robbery. That cop then notified Durham police, who located a suspect vehicle — a cargo van — and followed it through numerous Durham side streets before it merged onto Highway 401 at Stevenson Road and drove head-on into eastbound traffic.
Video posted online of the chase shows a white cargo van travelling west at high speeds in the eastbound lanes with at least one marked Durham police SUV in pursuit. Other police cruisers can be seen ahead of the suspect vehicle, travelling east in the eastbound lane. Also shown in the video is at least one unmarked police vehicle heading west in the westbound lanes.
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A short distance later, the suspect’s vehicle hit a civilian’s vehicle, causing a collision that would leave a 55- and 60-year-old dead, as well as their grandchild. According to the SIU, an occupant in the cargo van was also killed.
Later in the morning, SIU spokesperson Monica Hudon held an impromptu news conference in Whitby on a Highway 401 overpass to provide some details about the incident.
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“This incident has had a profound impact on our community and our members,” Durham police said in a press release at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday. “We understand there are many questions; however, there is a legislated process regarding investigations conducted by the SIU that our service must adhere to. DRPS is fully cooperating with the SIU and, as such, is unable to make a public statement on this incident.”
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With the Durham force unable to say much about police actions and the collision due to the SIU invoking its mandate, and the police oversight agency only able to share preliminary information, here’s what the story is so far:
What we know
The police chase started after an alleged robbery at an LCBO in Bowmanville.
A cargo van was driven more than 15 kilometres, followed by police, from Green Road and Highway 2 before entering Highway 401 at Stevenson Road.
Six vehicles were involved in the Highway 401 crash, including at least one transport truck.
Four dead, including grandparents and an infant travelling together.
The alleged driver of the cargo van was also killed in the collision.
What we don’t know
How many police vehicles were involved in the chase?
How many witnesses will police and SIU interview?
How long will the SIU investigation take?
What happened during the alleged liquor store robbery? Was anyone injured? Was anything stolen?
