April 19, 2025

Toronto News Daily

The Most up to date Local News in Toronto City

May 3, 2024 Carolyn Baeza

Tragic Wrong-Way Crash on Highway 401 Claims Lives of Infant and Grandparents

Tragic Wrong-Way Crash on Highway 401 Claims Lives of Infant and Grandparents

In a devastating incident on Ontario’s Highway 401, a wrong-way collision resulted in the deaths of a three-month-old infant and his visiting grandparents. The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) of Ontario has released new details about the tragic event that occurred on Monday night near Whitby.

Details of the Incident

The collision involved multiple vehicles, including a cargo van driven by a 21-year-old who was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash was the culmination of a high-speed chase initiated after a liquor store robbery in Bowmanville. The chase led to the suspect driving against traffic on Highway 401, ultimately causing the fatal collision.

Victims and Injuries

The grandparents, a 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman, were visiting from India and tragically lost their lives in the crash. The infant’s parents, a 33-year-old father and a 27-year-old mother, were also in the vehicle and sustained injuries. The mother’s injuries are reported as serious. Additionally, a 38-year-old male passenger in the cargo van was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

Ongoing Investigation

The SIU, an agency responsible for investigating incidents involving police where there has been death, serious injury, or allegations of sexual assault, is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. Autopsies for the victims were conducted in Toronto on Wednesday. The investigation team includes seven investigators, one forensic investigator, and one collision reconstructionist.This tragic event has prompted further scrutiny of police pursuits and their safety implications, especially in high-traffic areas like Highway 401. The community and authorities are now grappling with the aftermath of this heartbreaking incident as the investigation continues.

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May 3, 2024 Carolyn Baeza

Maple Leafs Triumph Over Bruins to Set Stage for Game 7 Showdown

Maple Leafs Triumph Over Bruins to Set Stage for Game 7 Showdown

Maple Leafs Triumph Over Bruins to Set Stage for Game 7 Showdown

In a pivotal Game 6 of their first-round series, the Toronto Maple Leafs emerged victorious against the Boston Bruins with a 2-1 win on Thursday, propelling the series to a decisive Game 7. This win marks the Maple Leafs’ second consecutive victory, following a 2-1 overtime win in Game 5, overcoming a 3-1 series deficit against their storied rivals.

Key Performances and Highlights

William Nylander led the charge for Toronto, netting both goals for the Maple Leafs. His exceptional play, combined with Joseph Woll’s 22 saves, were instrumental in Toronto’s win. On the other side, Jeremy Swayman’s effort of stopping 24 shots for the Bruins was notable, but ultimately not enough to secure a win for Boston. Morgan Geekie managed to score for the Bruins, narrowly missing Woll’s shutout with only 0.1 seconds left on the clock.The absence of Auston Matthews, who missed his second straight elimination game due to illness, was a significant storyline. Despite this, the Maple Leafs showcased their depth and resilience.Nylander’s first goal, a display of his “patented Swedish style,” broke the deadlock late in the second period, setting off celebrations both inside Scotiabank Arena and in Maple Leaf Square. His second goal, a smooth backhand past Swayman, solidified Toronto’s lead and ultimately secured their victory.

Strategic Plays and Team Dynamics

The game was intensely physical from the start, with the teams combining for 48 hits in the opening 20 minutes. Despite several opportunities, Toronto’s power play struggled, converting only 1 of 18 chances in the series. However, their penalty kill was effective, holding strong against Boston’s attempts.Notably, Leafs enforcer Ryan Reaves was a healthy scratch for the game, while Noah Gregor made his series debut. The Bruins were without forward Danton Heinen, who was listed as day-to-day, and saw the return of veteran defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk.

Historical Context and Looking Ahead

This series has been a testament to the enduring rivalry between the Maple Leafs and the Bruins, with Toronto battling back from 3-1 deficits against Boston in both 2013 and 2018, only to lose in seven games. The upcoming Game 7 promises to be a thrilling conclusion to this chapter of their rivalry, with the winner set to face the well-rested Florida Panthers in the second round.Joseph Woll’s performance in goal for Toronto has been historic, as he becomes the first goaltender in NHL history to start his playoff career with four potential elimination games, showcasing his poise and talent under pressure.As the series heads back to Boston for the final game, both teams are poised for what promises to be an epic battle, with the Maple Leafs looking to continue their momentum and the Bruins aiming to reclaim their early series advantage.

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May 1, 2024 Carolyn Baeza

tragic-outcome-of-highway-401-wrong-way-chase-raises-questions

Tragic Outcome of Highway 401 Wrong-Way Chase Raises Questions

In a distressing incident on Highway 401, a police pursuit of a robbery suspect driving in the wrong direction ended in a catastrophic collision, claiming the lives of a couple, their infant grandchild, and the suspect himself. This event has sparked a debate on the appropriateness of police pursuits, especially in situations involving minor crimes.

Prelude to the Tragedy

The sequence of events began with a robbery attempt at an LCBO location near Green Road and Highway 2 in Bowmanville, where the suspect, armed with a knife, was confronted by an off-duty officer. Fleeing the scene in a U-Haul, the suspect was pursued by Durham police through various streets before entering Highway 401, heading west in the eastbound lanes.

Concerns Voiced by OPP

An Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer, observing the unfolding situation, expressed concerns over the radio, warning of the potential for harm due to the suspect’s dangerous driving. “Someone’s going to get hurt,” the officer predicted, highlighting the risk posed by the suspect’s erratic behavior and the ensuing police chase.

The Fatal Collision

The pursuit culminated in a six-vehicle collision that resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including the suspect, and left another person with serious injuries. Dashcam footage captured the harrowing moments leading up to the crash, showing vehicles swerving to avoid the oncoming U-Haul and the police cruisers in pursuit.

Investigating the Pursuit

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has taken up the task of examining the actions of the Durham police involved in the chase. The investigation aims to understand the decision-making process behind the continuation of the pursuit, especially given the suspect’s dangerous driving on Canada’s busiest highway.

Questions and Criticisms

The incident has raised significant questions about the protocols for police pursuits, particularly in cases stemming from minor offenses. Chris Lewis, a safety analyst and former OPP commissioner, expressed difficulty in justifying the continuation of the chase under such circumstances. The focus of the SIU’s investigation will be on the pursuit’s initiation, its progression, and the adherence to policies governing police chases.The tragic outcome of this pursuit has prompted a reevaluation of the balance between apprehending suspects and ensuring public safety, highlighting the need for careful consideration in the decision to initiate or continue a police chase.

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April 30, 2024 Carolyn Baeza

Game 5 Recap: Maple Leafs vs Bruins

Overview

In a thrilling overtime victory, the Toronto Maple Leafs managed to stave off elimination by defeating the Boston Bruins 2-1 in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series. The game took place on April 30, 2024, and saw rookie winger Matthew Knies score the decisive goal at 2:26 of the overtime period.

Key Moments

Opening Goal

The Maple Leafs opened the scoring early in the game at 5:33 of the first period. After winning a faceoff following an icing call, Max Domi set up Jake McCabe, who scored through a screen, marking his first goal of the series.

Bruins Equalize

The Bruins equalized at 13:54 when Leafs defenseman Simon Benoit’s clearing attempt deflected off Boston forward Pat Maroon and landed perfectly for Trent Frederic, who scored his third goal of the series.

Overtime Heroics

The game reached overtime where Matthew Knies, assisted by John Tavares who aggressively took the puck to the net, scored the game-winning goal, reviving the Maple Leafs’ hopes in the series.

Standout Performances

Joseph Woll

Goalie Joseph Woll, starting in place of Ilya Samsonov, made 28 saves for Toronto. His performance was crucial, especially given that this was only his second playoff appearance.

Jeremy Swayman

On the opposing side, Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman stopped 31 shots, despite the loss.

Strategic Adjustments

Lineup Changes

The Bruins made adjustments to their lineup, introducing Matt Grzelcyk and Justin Brazeau, while the Maple Leafs brought back Timothy Liljegren and Connor Dewar, compensating for the absence of Auston Matthews due to illness.

Upcoming Games

The series continues with Game 6 scheduled for Thursday in Toronto. If necessary, Game 7 will return to TD Garden on Saturday. The Bruins lead the series 3-2, but the memory of their previous playoff collapse against the Florida Panthers remains a concern.

April 29, 2024 Carolyn Baeza

Deadly Wrong-Way Collision on Highway 401 in Whitby Leads to SIU Investigation

Deadly Wrong-Way Collision on Highway 401 in Whitby Leads to SIU Investigation

Deadly Wrong-Way Collision on Highway 401 in Whitby Leads to SIU Investigation

A tragic incident unfolded on Highway 401 in Whitby on Monday night, resulting in a fatal wrong-way collision that prompted the involvement of Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU). Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) reported being called to a robbery near Green Road and Highway 2 in Clarington around 7:50 p.m., which led to a high-speed chase.The suspect, fleeing the scene of the robbery in a vehicle, was pursued by police. In a dangerous turn of events, the suspect’s vehicle entered Highway 401 traveling in the wrong direction, leading to a catastrophic multi-vehicle collision. The incident, which occurred just east of the Highway 412 interchange, resulted in fatalities, although the exact number of victims has not been disclosed.The collision took place in the eastbound lanes of Highway 401, and the aftermath was captured on MTO camera footage, showing several emergency vehicles at the scene. The specifics regarding the number of vehicles involved and the total casualties remain unclear.

Highway Closure and Traffic Disruption

Following the collision, a significant portion of Highway 401 was closed in both directions, affecting traffic between exit 406 (Lake Ridge Road/County Road 23) and exit 410 (Brock Street/County Road 46). Additionally, the ramp from southbound 412 to eastbound 401 was blocked, further complicating traffic flow in the area.Sgt. Kerry Schmidt of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) addressed the situation in a video posted on social media, advising motorists to expect heavy delays and suggesting Victoria Street to the south and Highway 2 to the north as alternate routes. He also anticipated that the collision reconstruction efforts would extend through the overnight hours and possibly into the morning rush hour, warning drivers to prepare for congestion in the vicinity.The SIU’s involvement indicates the serious nature of the incident, as the unit is called in to investigate incidents involving police where there has been death, serious injury, or allegations of sexual assault. Further details on the collision and the ongoing investigation are awaited.

April 27, 2024 Carolyn Baeza

Cautionary Tales from the Solar Eclipse: Protecting Your Eyes

Cautionary Tales from the Solar Eclipse: Protecting Your Eyes

 

Solar Eclipse Fallout: Over 115 Cases of Eye Damage Reported in Ontario

As the celestial spectacle of a solar eclipse mesmerized Ontario earlier this month, it left behind a trail of eye damage for over 115 individuals, according to eye doctors across the province. The Ontario Association of Optometrists (OAO) has been inundated with 118 reported cases of eye complications since April 8, ranging from inflammation of the cornea to solar retinopathy.

The OAO’s statement to CTV News Toronto highlighted the seriousness of the conditions faced by eclipse viewers. While inflammation of the cornea typically resolves within a few days, solar retinopathy can lead to permanent vision loss in severe instances. The extent of damage varies based on the affected area of the retina and the duration of sun exposure.

Leading up to the eclipse, health and government authorities had issued warnings about the perils of direct sun gazing. Participants were strongly advised to wear certified eclipse-viewing glasses to safeguard their eyesight.

Despite these precautions, the aftermath revealed a significant number of cases spread across Ontario, from Windsor to Ottawa. Interestingly, most of Ontario was not within the path of totality, where the sun is completely obscured by the moon. Cities like Hamilton and Niagara Falls, which were in this path, faced challenges due to cloud cover.

The OAO noted that the combination of cloud cover and widespread use of eclipse glasses likely mitigated the number of reported eye complications. However, neighboring Quebec, which experienced totality in some areas, reported 28 cases of eye damage by April 17.

This cautionary tale underscores the importance of protecting one’s eyes during celestial events. While eclipses offer awe-inspiring moments, they also pose significant risks if proper precautions are not taken. The use of certified eclipse-viewing glasses remains paramount in safeguarding vision and preventing avoidable eye damage.

 

April 26, 2024 Carolyn Baeza

Unfolding Tragedy: Seeking Justice After Fatal Fall from Toronto Balcony

Unfolding Tragedy: Seeking Justice After Fatal Fall from Toronto Balcony

In the heart of downtown Toronto, a tragic incident has shaken the community as a man fell to his death from a balcony. The victim, identified as 38-year-old Ryan Williams, met a sudden and untimely end that has left authorities searching for answers and justice.

The events leading up to Williams’ fall are shrouded in mystery and suspicion. Detective-Sergeant Henri Marsman revealed that an altercation occurred inside the apartment where Williams lived with his mother before the fatal plunge. The nature of this altercation remains unknown, adding complexity to the investigation.

Witnesses recounted the chilling moment when the impact of Williams’ fall startled them from their beds. One witness described seeing him lying motionless on scaffolding, a grim scene that marked the beginning of a tragic chain of events.

Williams was swiftly transported to the hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. As investigators delve into the circumstances surrounding his fall, they are treating the case as a potential homicide, indicating foul play may be at play.

Key to unraveling this mystery are individuals connected to the scene. One such figure, known by the street name “Justice,” is being actively sought by law enforcement. Described as a male between 30 and 40 years old, approximately five-foot-eight to five-foot-nine, he was last seen wearing a distinctive black hooded jacket, beige pants, and black shoes.

Detective Marsman highlighted that “Justice” and Williams were acquaintances, hinting at a deeper connection that may hold crucial clues. Furthermore, after Williams fell, “Justice” fled the scene accompanied by three other individuals, now considered persons of interest in the investigation.

The first person of interest is described as a five-foot-ten male sporting a black jacket, a grey shirt, dark grey sweatpants, and black shoes with white soles. The second person, a five-foot-six female with a thin build and brown hair in a high bun, was seen in black pants with white accents, red shoes with white soles, and carrying a grocery trolley bag. Lastly, the third individual, believed to be a five-foot-five female with a thin build and dark hair, was dressed in a black jacket with a white toque, black pants, and black shoes.

As the search for answers intensifies, the community is urged to come forward with any information that may aid in bringing closure to this tragic event. The pursuit of justice for Ryan Williams continues, emphasizing the importance of collective vigilance and cooperation in ensuring safety and accountability within our neighborhoods.

 

April 25, 2024 Carolyn Baeza

Ontario Township Faces Challenges After Loss of Only Supermarket

Ontario Township Faces Challenges After Loss of Only Supermarket

 

The village of Colborne in Cramahe Township, Ontario, has been grappling with a significant setback for almost a year: the closure of its sole full supermarket, the Colborne Foodland, following a devastating fire in May 2023. This closure has left residents like Mandy Martin, who worked at the deli counter, deeply affected. Martin even used her earnings from the store to pay for her furnace. The absence of a full-scale grocery store has created a void in the community, impacting residents’ access to essential food items and services.

The Impact of Sobeys’ Decision

Recently, the township received disheartening news when Sobeys, the parent company of Colborne Foodland, announced through a letter that it would not reopen a food store in Colborne. This decision was a major blow to the 6,200 residents of Cramahe Township who relied on the convenience and accessibility of the supermarket. Mayor Martin, acknowledging the significance of the former Foodland to the community, expressed understanding of Sobeys’ business perspective in making such a decision.

Exploring Alternatives and Moving Forward

While the closure of Colborne Foodland is undoubtedly disappointing, Mayor Martin and the township remain optimistic about the resilience of their community. They view this as an opportunity for potential investment from other retailers, citing Giant Tiger as an example. The township is open to exploring options that would fill the gap left by the supermarket’s absence.

Adapting to Change

In response to the closure, residents have already begun adapting their shopping habits. Local businesses like Rutherford’s Farm & Roadside Market, Downey Pharmacy, and Mister Convenience store have expanded their offerings to include more food items, providing alternative options for groceries. Despite the challenges posed by the closure, the community has shown a willingness to adjust and find solutions.

Gratitude and Support

Sobeys expressed gratitude to the Colborne community for its support over the years and assured that affected employees would be supported through the transition. While the decision to close the store was difficult, it was part of Sobeys’ regular assessment process and aligned with their business strategy.

Looking Ahead

As Cramahe Township navigates this period without a full supermarket, it remains hopeful and encourages potential investors to consider the opportunity presented by the vacant location. The township’s history of overcoming economic challenges is a testament to its resilience, and it looks forward to welcoming new developments that will benefit the community.

In conclusion, while the loss of Colborne Foodland has posed challenges, it has also sparked innovation and community support, showcasing the strength and adaptability of Cramahe Township in the face of adversity.

April 24, 2024 Carolyn Baeza

Navigating Danger: Canadian Couple’s Harrowing Experience on a Sinking Tour Boat in the Dominican Republic

Navigating Danger: Canadian Couple's Harrowing Experience on a Sinking Tour Boat in the Dominican Republic

Navigating Danger: Canadian Couple’s Harrowing Experience on a Sinking Tour Boat in the Dominican Republic

A Toronto couple recently shared their harrowing ordeal aboard a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic, highlighting the grave safety concerns they faced during what was supposed to be a leisurely excursion. Brock MacKenzie and Kerri Wolanski found themselves in a distressing situation while exploring the Haitises National Park caves on Monday, April 15. What began as a serene tour quickly turned into a nightmare as water started seeping onto their boat, leaving them stranded about 25 minutes away from shore.

MacKenzie vividly recalled the initial confusion as water infiltrated the vessel. “I looked over (at Wolanski) and I’m like, ‘how are you getting wet?’ Like I couldn’t figure out where the water was coming from,” he recounted in an interview with CTV News Toronto. It was a moment of realization when they discovered that their boat was sinking.

Among the approximately 30 passengers onboard, including a child and several seniors, most were not equipped with life jackets. Shockingly, instead of addressing the escalating danger, crew members reportedly distributed rum as the boat continued taking on water, a surreal and concerning response given the circumstances.

The incident, attributed to a blow to the boat’s hull caused by a floating log, prompted the crew to initiate emergency protocols. Grupo Pinero, the boat’s operator, stated that the captain promptly requested rescue services, assessed the ship, and followed safety protocols throughout the ordeal. Despite these assertions, MacKenzie emphasized the lack of preparedness and safety measures onboard, noting the absence of life jackets and the crew’s apparent inaction during the crisis.

According to Grupo Pinero’s protocols, passengers should wear life vests at all times. However, MacKenzie’s account contradicts this, highlighting a serious lapse in safety procedures. During the tense 40 minutes awaiting rescue, passengers were left vulnerable without life jackets, a situation exacerbated by the crew’s apparent disregard for addressing the safety concerns.

The relief came when a rescue boat arrived, eventually transferring all passengers to safety. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries stemming from the incident, but the emotional toll and sense of danger experienced by those onboard were profound.

Following the incident, Grupo Pinero reportedly presented legal documents to passengers, downplaying the severity of the situation as a “minor inconvenience” promptly resolved by the company. However, MacKenzie noted that none of the passengers signed the document, underscoring the gravity of the incident and the accountability sought by those affected.

Air Transat, through which the tour was purchased, has been actively engaging with affected clients, offering refunds for the excursion and working to address the matter satisfactorily. However, MacKenzie expressed concerns about the tour operator’s lack of acknowledgment and accountability, contemplating legal action to ensure necessary safety changes are implemented.

In conclusion, this alarming incident underscores the critical importance of stringent safety protocols and accountability within the tourism industry. While refunds and apologies are steps in the right direction, proactive measures must be taken to prevent such dangerous situations in the future. MacKenzie’s experience serves as a cautionary tale, urging companies to prioritize passenger safety above all else, lest they face the consequences of negligence and complacency.

April 23, 2024 Carolyn Baeza

Maple Leafs Triumph Over Bruins with Matthews’ Heroics

Maple Leafs Triumph Over Bruins with Matthews' Heroics

Maple Leafs Triumph Over Bruins with Matthews’ Heroics

The Toronto Maple Leafs showcased their resilience in a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Boston Bruins, evening their first-round playoff series at 1-1. Auston Matthews emerged as the hero, scoring the decisive goal in the third period and contributing two assists to propel the Leafs to victory.

Matthews’ winning moment came in the final minutes of the game, capitalizing on a pass from Max Domi to outmaneuver Bruins’ goalie Linus Ullmark with a skillful forehand move. This goal not only secured the win but also broke a scoring drought for Matthews in playoff games.

The Leafs’ offense was further fueled by goals from Domi and John Tavares, with Ilya Samsonov standing strong in net with 27 saves. Despite missing star winger William Nylander due to injury for the second consecutive game, Toronto displayed depth and determination throughout the match.

Boston initially took the lead with goals from David Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie, but the Leafs swiftly responded, demonstrating their ability to bounce back from setbacks. The series now stands at 1-1, setting the stage for an exciting Game 3 in Toronto.

The victory marked a significant milestone for the Leafs, who had struggled against the Bruins in previous matchups spanning over 530 days. Matthews’ clutch performance and the team’s overall tenacity signal a promising turn in the series.

Looking ahead, both teams will have time to regroup before Game 3, with a two-day break following the intense back-to-back games. The Leafs’ success in Game 2 underscores their potential to make a deep playoff run and overcome formidable opponents.

Off the ice, intrigue surrounding player injuries added an element of uncertainty. Nylander’s absence raised questions about his availability, with Leafs’ coach Sheldon Keefe leaving the door open for his potential return while maintaining a strategic approach to lineup decisions.

Meanwhile, Bruins’ coach Jim Montgomery kept the goaltending situation playful yet cryptic, teasing reporters with hints about the starting goalie using a popular word game reference. These behind-the-scenes narratives add layers of anticipation and intrigue to the ongoing playoff drama.

The Maple Leafs’ triumph not only evens the series but also ignites momentum and confidence as they pursue playoff success. With Matthews leading the charge and a resilient team spirit on display, Toronto fans have plenty to cheer about as the series unfolds.