Funeral set for five children killed in tragic Ontario crash

Peter, Helena, Sara, Maggie and Susy Doerksen in photos taken from their obituaries. (Source: Mark Jutzi Funeral Home)

A visitation was held Friday for the five children who were killed in a crash in Mapleton Township, Ont. on June 12.

They have all been identified as members of the Doerksen family.

Peter was 12 years old, Sara was 8, Maggie was 6, and Susy was 4. All four died at the scene of the crash.

Their 10-year-old sister, Helena, was pronounced dead in hospital.

The visitation was held at the Wallenstein Bible Chapel in Wallenstein, Ont.

A funeral is scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m., followed by internment in Milverton, Ont.

Tragedy in Mapleton Township

A SUV collided with a van at the intersection of 4th Line and Wellington Road 12 in Mapleton Township, north of Kitchener, Ont., on June 12.

Peter, Helena, Sara, Maggie and Susy were inside the van, along with their 15-month-old brother and parents, Cornelius Doerksen Froese and Judit Doerksen. Ontario Provincial Police said Judit Doerksen was transported to a trauma centre with critical injuries, while her husband Cornelius Doerksen Froese was taken to a Listowel hospital in stable condition.

“Our youngest brother has now been released from the hospital. Thankfully, his injuries were limited to a broken leg, and he is recovering well at home,” his sister, Nancy Doerksen, wrote on the family’s GoFundMe page. “Our mom continues her recovery journey and is making slow but steady progress. She is still awaiting hip surgery and has a long road of healing ahead of her.”

Peter and Elisabeth Bartsch were also in the van. The couple’s daughter said the two families were attending an evening of fellowship at the home of a fellow church member.

“My father is recovering well physically,” Anna Thiessen wrote on June 17 in an email to CTV News. “My mother remains at Hamilton General Hospital and is continuing her recovery. While her condition has seen both improvements and setbacks, we are encouraged by the overall progress she has made.”

All 10 were from the Atwood area.

The driver of the SUV also broke both their legs and was also taken to a hospital in Hamilton.

After the collision

Online fundraisers have been set up for the victims.

The one for the Bartsch family topped $32,000 as of Friday afternoon, while a separate collection for the Doerksens had surpassed $337,000.

Ontario Provincial Police have not shared updates on their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision, including possible charges.

They did encourage anyone who witnessed the crash, or assisted the families at the scene, to reach out for help if they’re struggling.

“Events of this nature are never easy,” a press release said. “The Wellington County OPP is committed to working together with our community to ensure that everyone has access to the support they need, especially in times of tragedy.”

OPP shared two of their own resources: Victim Services Wellington at 519-824-1212, extension 7304, and Victim Services of Waterloo Region at 519-585-2363.

With reporting from Alexandra Holyk, Hannah Schmidt and Shelby Knox