Identification of Victims in Hwy. 401 Collision by Indian Consulate General

A tragic wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week has claimed the lives of a 60-year-old man, a 55-year-old woman, and their three-month-old grandchild. The Consulate General of India in Toronto identified the victims as Mr. Manivannan and Mrs. Mahalakshmi in a heartfelt social media post on Friday.

The family was travelling in a Nissan Sentra on the eastbound lanes of the highway in Whitby when the collision occurred. The crash happened during a high-speed pursuit by Durham Regional Police of a suspect cargo van travelling in the wrong direction on the highway.

The three-month-old boy’s parents were also in the car and were taken to the hospital for treatment. The driver of the cargo van, a 21-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene, while a 38-year-old male passenger was transported to the hospital with serious injuries.

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is investigating the actions of the police officers involved in the pursuit. Many are questioning why the chase continued as the suspect vehicle was driving the wrong way on the highway.

Durham police stated that they are fully cooperating with the investigation and that there is a legislated process regarding SIU investigations that they must adhere to. The SIU has assigned a team of investigators, including forensic experts and collision reconstructionists, to the case.

This tragic incident has left the community in mourning and raised important questions about police procedures during pursuits. The investigation will hopefully provide answers and closure to the grieving family and concerned citizens.