Mr. Speaker, words can barely describe the tragedy that took place in Mapleton on Friday evening, when five young lives were taken in the blink of an eye. Five children, ages four, six, eight, 10 and 12 years old, were killed in a horrible collision, and five other family members were seriously injured. Today our thoughts and prayers are with the family and their community of Elmira as they grieve this unthinkable loss.
I want to thank the first responders, paramedics, police, and members of Mapleton fire department and neighbouring departments for the professionalism and compassion they displayed. Our hearts are with each of them as they process what they witnessed. I thank the neighbours and good Samaritans who rushed in to help. Today our community is grieving, praying about, remembering and honouring five beautiful young lives taken far too soon.