Three people are dead after a BMW with a suspected drunk driver at the wheel crashed into a minivan on Finch Ave. W. at Tobermory Dr. (Oct. 17, 2009) (Photo: DAVID COOPER/TORONTO STAR)Police estimate car was travelling at 200 km/h
Sun Oct 18 2009
Carola Vhynak and Thandiwe Vela
Staff Reporters
Toronto Star (Ontario, Canada)
A family originally from Cambodia was returning home from temple late Saturday when a BMW, going up to 200 km/h with a suspected drunk driver at the wheel, hurtled into their minivan, cracking it in half and killing three people.
Hon To, 44, and her 24-year-old daughter Khan (Christine) Taing were pronounced dead at the scene of the horrific crash just before midnight on Finch Ave. W. at Tobermory Dr., said family member Yun Ho.
Taing was studying nursing at the University of Toronto, he added.
The other minivan passenger pronounced dead at the scene was a female family friend and fellow worshipper about to be dropped off at her home, Ho said.
To's husband, Pho Taing, 43, is in hospital in critical condition, as is a fifth passenger of the Honda Odyssey, a woman. Police said this afternoon that one of them is in "grave" condition while the other suffered less serious injuries, but wouldn't identify them.
The three dead were all thrown from the cracked-open minivan. Traffic officers were stunned by the wreckage, saying it's the kind of destruction seen occasionally on highways but not on a Toronto street. The van was turning when it was hit.
Jenny To, a friend of the 24-year-old victim, told the Star this afternoon that Taing was a "social butterfly."
"Any time we felt lonely we would call each other," she said.
The 21-year-old driver of the BMW suffered non-life-threatening injuries and is in police custody in hospital. Police say he will be charged in the crash.
Moments before the impact, the westbound BMW flew past a police cruiser heading east on Finch, said Sgt. Tim Burrows of Traffic Services. The officers witnessed the crash in their rear view mirror, he added.
The BMW was "out of control" and continued about 100 metres after smashing the minivan in two, Burrows said.
Police believe the BMW's driver had been drinking. The man has been investigated for drinking and driving in the past, Burrows said, though he could not confirm any prior convictions.
"All in all, this was an absolutely atrocious night on our roadways," Burrows said, adding that at least half a dozen other drivers were arrested for drinking and driving offences.
"Drinking and driving is a no-brain issue," Burrows said. "Once you've added alcohol to your system, driving should be out of the equation."
This afternoon, the front of the minivan lay on grass between the sidewalk and road, wires and metal protruding from its open end. Firefighters cut one piece of the van apart, removing its contents.
Finch was closed between Sentinel Rd. and Driftwood Ave. as police investigated.
With files from Stephen Smysnuik and The Canadian Press
Hon To, 44, and her 24-year-old daughter Khan (Christine) Taing were pronounced dead at the scene of the horrific crash just before midnight on Finch Ave. W. at Tobermory Dr., said family member Yun Ho.
Taing was studying nursing at the University of Toronto, he added.
The other minivan passenger pronounced dead at the scene was a female family friend and fellow worshipper about to be dropped off at her home, Ho said.
To's husband, Pho Taing, 43, is in hospital in critical condition, as is a fifth passenger of the Honda Odyssey, a woman. Police said this afternoon that one of them is in "grave" condition while the other suffered less serious injuries, but wouldn't identify them.
The three dead were all thrown from the cracked-open minivan. Traffic officers were stunned by the wreckage, saying it's the kind of destruction seen occasionally on highways but not on a Toronto street. The van was turning when it was hit.
Jenny To, a friend of the 24-year-old victim, told the Star this afternoon that Taing was a "social butterfly."
"Any time we felt lonely we would call each other," she said.
The 21-year-old driver of the BMW suffered non-life-threatening injuries and is in police custody in hospital. Police say he will be charged in the crash.
Moments before the impact, the westbound BMW flew past a police cruiser heading east on Finch, said Sgt. Tim Burrows of Traffic Services. The officers witnessed the crash in their rear view mirror, he added.
The BMW was "out of control" and continued about 100 metres after smashing the minivan in two, Burrows said.
Police believe the BMW's driver had been drinking. The man has been investigated for drinking and driving in the past, Burrows said, though he could not confirm any prior convictions.
"All in all, this was an absolutely atrocious night on our roadways," Burrows said, adding that at least half a dozen other drivers were arrested for drinking and driving offences.
"Drinking and driving is a no-brain issue," Burrows said. "Once you've added alcohol to your system, driving should be out of the equation."
This afternoon, the front of the minivan lay on grass between the sidewalk and road, wires and metal protruding from its open end. Firefighters cut one piece of the van apart, removing its contents.
Finch was closed between Sentinel Rd. and Driftwood Ave. as police investigated.
With files from Stephen Smysnuik and The Canadian Press
12 comments:
i know this neighbourhood. there are a lot of cambodian people there. r.i.p. to the victims.
Who is the BMW's drunk driver? They don't tell us here.
I share deep condolence with the dead family...please stay in peace!
A very sad story indeed!
My condolences go to the family of victims of drunk driving.
Hopefully, the driver of the BMW will stay in jail for a long time for his crime.
Anet Khmer
That is sad to hear like this. But who is the drunk driver?
I always tell my family and friends not to be on the road between 11:30PM and 2:30AM in the morning unless they really have to. A lot of car accidents happen during that period due to drunk driving, or young drivers on the hype.
They should poster this kid's (bmw driver's) face all over the city. Humiliate him. Set an example for all the idiots out there who DONT read/watch the news and who will never hear about this incident and go out drinking/driving tonight.
The drunk driver was Thai.
I lived close by Jane/Finch area, just 1 minute away from this accident took place. I don't know these people, but I am KHMER also, so you just want to show respect and wishing them a better life up above were all the good people will once again meet!. I feel really bad to hear this news. There are so many Cambodians lived here in Toronto area and it will be really sad for all of us to hear this. The person who caused this accident shell never be forget or forgiven.
No, the drunk driver was RUSSIAN
Sad indeed for Khmer community in Toronto. My condolences to the family.
The driver is a 21 years old Russian man and a drunk driver. He sped at 200KM/H on a 60 KM/H limit road. This guy has done a lot of crimes in the past based on police records in Toronto. I hope they jail him for life.
i knew Christine from work and school.. she was sweetest.. always very helpful! i still cant believe that she is gone.. MAy God bless her soul.. Rest in Peace Christine
It is the worst accident that I have never seen before! According to me, the addicts have to aware like how long does alcohol stay in your urine and destroy your internal organs rapidly. Thus, you may save from its harms.
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