Three young individuals have tragically lost their lives in a single-vehicle accident on a gravel road near Hanover. Additionally, a fourth person sustained life-threatening injuries and is currently hospitalized. All four victims, aged between 15 and 17, were students at John Diefenbaker Senior School in Hanover, according to West Grey Police Constable Allyson Iles.

The incident occurred on Concession Road 2 SDR in the vicinity of Allan Park Road. Three of the teenagers, including two boys and a girl, were ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the crash site. The fourth teenager, a boy, was trapped in the car and had to be extricated by emergency responders. He was initially taken to Hanover District Hospital and later airlifted to London via Ornge air ambulance.

The tragic event unfolded around noon, shortly after a Remembrance Day assembly had concluded at the school, and students were on their lunch break. Constable Iles described the response from first responders as emotionally challenging, emphasizing the toll such incidents take on the community.

This devastating crash comes just half a year after another fatal accident that claimed the lives of four teenagers and a teacher from the nearby Walkerton community. The community is rallying together to offer support and comfort to the affected families and friends during this difficult time. The Bluewater District School Board is dispatching a trauma response team to provide counseling and assistance.

Hanover Mayor Sue Paterson expressed heartfelt condolences to the families and everyone impacted by the tragedy. The mayor highlighted the community’s solidarity in providing support and strength to those grieving in the face of this profound loss.