A four-year-old boy from Eskasoni, N.S. died Friday night after his family’s vehicle crashed into a ditch.
Cape Breton Regional Police say they were called to the accident near Highway 216 in Islandview at 10 p.m.
Upon arrival, police say they found four other occupants in the vehicle, including a 27-year-old male driver, a 26-year-old female passenger and two other boys, aged two and five.
The four other family members survived the incident, but their 2003 Equinox was heavily damaged.
Sgt. Ken O’Neill with the Cape Breton Regional Police says the community is distraught by the news.
“The loss of life is always tragic,” he said. “But young life and young life from a family in these circumstances is quite tragic.”
Messages of condolences have been pouring in on the family’s Facebook pages.
"Everybody is in shock,” said Eskasoni chief Leroy Denny in a statement. “We are very saddened and heartbroken with the passing of young boy. May God bless his soul, and many prayers to his family at this trying time. Our community has been through a lot these last few months, but we are a community of resilience, strong faith and always there in times of need. Sending my heartfelt condolences to the family."
Police are unsure of what caused the accident. The speed limit on the road is 80 km/h and the weather conditions at the time were clear.
“Any time you’re dealing with the other series of highways from time to time with turns and whatnot, those matters you have to exercise condition,” said O’Neill. “As we all know those community roads need a little extra attention.”
Police say their traffic safety, along with forensic identification units are looking into what caused the crash.
An autopsy will be conducted in Halifax to assist with the ongoing investigation.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Kyle Moore.
