The Durham Regional Police Service is mourning a profound loss following a tragic motor vehicle collision near the Ontario Police College involving two constables-in-training (CITs) who were travelling to training.
According to a statement by the chief, one CIT has lost their life, while the other remains in life-threatening condition. The chief expressed deep sadness over the incident and assured that the service's focus is on supporting the families of the CITs, as well as their classmates, instructors, friends, and members of the service who are grieving this tragic loss.
The internal memo from the chief stated that this is an incredibly difficult and heartbreaking situation, and their thoughts are with everyone affected as they come to terms with this devastating loss.
Family notifications are underway, and the service continues to receive additional information as the situation develops. Out of respect for those involved and their loved ones, the public is asked to refrain from sharing names, speculation, or posting any information at this time.
The details surrounding the collision remain under investigation by the Ontario Provincial Police. According to the OPP, a transport truck and a sedan were involved in a collision at the intersection of College Line and Imperial Road in the Township of Malahide.
An occupant of the sedan was pronounced deceased, and the second occupant was taken to a local hospital in critical condition. The driver of the transport truck was not injured. The OPP closed several roads in the area due to the incident.
This crash is the latest in a series of police tragedies this spring and summer. Several officers have lost their lives in the line of duty, including an OPP motorcycle cop, a James Bay OPP detachment constable, a Toronto Police Emergency Task Force constable, and a Montreal Police constable.
The incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the risks that police officers face every day. The community is coming together to support the embattled policing community, particularly the Durham police service, as they navigate this unimaginable tragedy.
