CEDAR VALLEY, ON – A devastating two-vehicle collision on Highway 48 has left one man dead and three others injured, and an 18-year-old Oshawa resident now facing serious criminal charges.
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) say the crash occurred Sunday between St. John Sideroad and Ballantrae Commons in Cedar Valley, approximately 10 kilometres east of Newmarket. Emergency services were called to the scene following reports of a severe crash involving multiple victims and a driver who had fled the area.
According to police, five individuals were traveling in one of the vehicles involved in the collision. Tragically, a 35-year-old male occupant was pronounced dead due to the injuries he sustained.
The four other occupants were rushed to nearby hospitals for emergency treatment. Their current conditions have not been publicly disclosed, but all suffered injuries considered serious enough to require immediate medical attention.
The driver of the second vehicle, now identified as 18-year-old Jaiwin Kirubananthan of Oshawa, allegedly fled the scene before officers arrived. With the assistance of York Regional Police, the suspect was located, apprehended, and taken into custody. Authorities have since confirmed that Kirubananthan is facing multiple charges, including:
- Dangerous operation causing death
- Three counts of dangerous operation causing bodily harm
- Failure to remain at the scene of an accident resulting in death
Kirubananthan remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before a judge at the Newmarket courthouse on Friday.
Police have not released further details about the circumstances leading up to the collision, including whether speed, impairment, or distraction may have been contributing factors. However, the severity of the charges reflects the serious nature of the incident and the impact on the victims’ families.
Investigators are continuing to gather information and have appealed to the public for assistance. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage from the area around the time of the incident is urged to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
Those who prefer to remain anonymous can provide information through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by visiting www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca. Tipsters who contact Crime Stoppers do not have to testify in court and may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
This tragic event has deeply shaken the local community. Highway 48 in the Cedar Valley area is a well-traveled route connecting several towns north of Toronto, and residents say the stretch where the collision occurred is known for fast-moving traffic and limited visibility in certain areas. Police have not indicated whether road conditions or weather played a role.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on supporting the victims and their families while ensuring accountability through the legal process. The name of the deceased has not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin.
