A 19-year-old is facing a slew of charges, including impaired driving causing death, after a four-vehicle crash in Richmond Hill that led to a vehicle fire and a 44-year-old father to lose his life.
It happened around 9:30 p.m. Sunday night on Yonge Street, south of Jefferson Sideroad when a white Mercedes hit a grey Hyundai, a red Toyota Sienna van and a white Mazda, with one of the vehicles flipping and bursting into flames.
The 44-year-old driver of the Mazda died, while his 40-year-old wife and 12-year-old son also inside suffered serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the Hyundai suffered minor injuries, wihle the two people in the van weren't hurt.
The driver and passenger of the Mercedes suffered minor injuries as well, with the driver charged with multiple offences.
Fereidoon Hayatibahari of Richmond Hill is charged with impaired driving causing death, as well as criminal negligence causing death.
He also faces two counts each of impaired driving causing bodily harm and criminal negligence causing bodily harm.
Peel Police Cst. Laura Nicolle said despite the carnage of the scene, many witnesses rushed in to help.
"It was very, very significant, the impact and the damage that was done and the one thing that's sort of heartening to hear," she said, adding it appears the deceased and his family were pulled out by witnesses. "Those people may require some supports and we encourage them to get those supports."
"This is just a devastating tragedy all around."
York Regional Police Chief Eric Joliffe said in a statement the behaviour is unacceptable.
"I would like to express our gratitude to members of our community who rushed to the scene to provide aid to the injured following the collision," he said. "This is a tragic loss for this family and our community as a result of impaired driving."