OPP launch safety campaign amid deadly crashes in southwestern Ontario

(Source: @OPP_WR/X)

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have launched a new intersection safety campaign across southwestern Ontario, coinciding with a series of fatal collisions, including one that killed five children from an Elmira-area family.

OPP’s West Region detachment said its “Stop.Look.Live.” campaign will run from June 15 to June 21.

The initiative aims to curb collisions caused by drivers failing to stop, pay attention or yield at intersections.

According to police, 13 people died as a result of intersection-related to failure-to-yield collisions across West Region in 2024 and again in 2025.

They also said officers have responded to three separate fatal crashes at intersections since May 2025 that, collectively, claimed five lives.

“Every intersection presents a critical decision point for drivers,” said Staff Sgt. Julie McLeod, of the OPP West Region Traffic and Marine Unit, in a statement. “Taking an extra moment to stop and look can save lives.”

Throughout the campaign, officers will be on the lookout for drivers who are inattentive, fail to stop at stop signs or yield the right of way.

Fatal Mapleton crash

The campaign comes three days after a devastating crash in Mapleton Township, northwest of Guelph.

A van and SUV collided at the intersection of Wellington Road 12 and 4th Line, near Conestogo Lake, shortly after 7:30 p.m. on Friday. The 10 people inside the van were all members of the same Elmira-area family. Five of the children, ranging in age from four to 12 years old, were killed. The children’s mother was transported to a Hamilton hospital in critical condition, while their father was taken to a hospital in Listowel where he was listed in stable condition. A 15-month-old child was also hurt.

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

Officials would not release or confirm the identities of those involved out of respect for the family’s privacy.

As of Monday morning, there were no updates on their condition or circumstances leading up to the crash.

“Our community is heartbroken by the tragic loss of five children in Friday’s accident,” Woolwich Township Mayor Sandy Shantz said in a statement posted online. “Our thoughts and prayers are with their family, friends and everyone affected by this unimaginable tragedy. As the community grieves, please respect the privacy of the families and give them the space they need to grieve during this incredibly difficult time. Thank you to the first responders and emergency personnel who responded with professionalism and compassion. Please keep these families in your thoughts and remember to drive safely.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mark Carney commented on the crash on Sunday. In a social media post he wrote, “I was heartbroken to learn of the tragic road accident in Mapleton Township, Ontario, on Friday evening that took the lives of five children and left many more injured. 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.”

The OPP said “Stop.Look.Live.” was planned before the Mapleton Township crash, but acknowledged that it reinforced the message of their safety campaign.

Police are reminding drivers to come to a complete stop at every stop sign, check all directions before proceeding and never assume another driver will stop or yield.