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5 Indian students dead in Canada highway accident

Darpan News Desk IANS, 14 Mar, 2022 02:07 PM

Toronto, March 14 (IANS) Five Indian students in Canada have been killed in a highway collision in Canada's Ontario province.

The five were killed when their van collided with a tractor-trailer on Canada's Highway 401 between Belleville and Trenton early Saturday morning.

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have identified them as Jaspinder Singh, 21, Karanpal Singh, 22, Mohit Chouhan, 23, Pawan Kumar, 23, and Harpreet Singh, 24. They were pronounced dead on the scene.

Ajay Bisara, High Commissioner of India to Canada, offered expressed his grief and sorrow regarding the tragedy in a Twitter Post.

Heart-breaking tragedy in Canada: 5 Indians students passed away in an auto accident near Toronto on Saturday. Two others in hospital. Deepest condolences to the families of the victims. @IndiainToronto team in touch with friends of the victims for assistance. @MEAIndia
— Ajay Bisaria (@Ajaybis) March 14, 2022

Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India, also expressed shock and offered his condolences via a social media post.

Deeply mourn the passing away of 5 Indian students in Canada. Condolences to their families. Pray for the recovery of those injured. @IndiainToronto will provide all necessary support and assistance. https://t.co/MAkMz0uwJ7
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) March 14, 2022

The victims were students in colleges in Montreal and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Two other students who were with them were rushed to hospital with serious injuries.

OPP Constable Maggie Pickett said: "It's a tragedy. Nobody wants to respond to that call for service, but we're there, we're working."

There are over 200,000 Indian students currently studying in colleges in Canada.

Photo courtesy of CP24.com

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