Wallaceburg Car AccidentThree Young People Killed in Tragic Car Crash in Chatham-Kent The community of Chatham-Kent is grieving three young people killed in a car crash over the weekend.
On Tuesday, police identified those who died as Victoria Baertsoen, 24, Matthew Cousins, 24, and Shae-Lynn Bachus, 23, all of Wallaceburg, Ont.
Aaron Hall, a Chatham-Kent councillor representing Wallaceburg, said the tight-knit community was “rocked” by the crash.
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“It was sudden and a devastating tragedy, and my heart really aches for the family and friends we lost,” Hall said. “We lost three young people.”
‘We’ll be there for each other’
Hall described the young adults in the crash as full of energy, positivity, and love, having met them and their families in the community.
“We support each other, and with this incident, we’ll be there for each other and we’ll be there for each other with compassion and understanding and love,” he said. “(We) always stick together, in good times and bad.
“Obviously, this is a difficult time for our community, but we’re going to stand together, we’re going to be there for each other … we’ll … be there for the families.”
Flags will be at half mast at the Wallaceburg Municipal Centre from Tuesday through the weekend, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent said in a media release. Council will have a moment of silence during its meeting on May 29 to honor those lost.
“This is heart-breaking news,” Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff said in a statement. “As a community, we sit in shock and grief thinking of the families, friends, and CK staff who are suffering an unthinkable loss.”
Collision took place Sunday night
Chatham-Kent police say the collision involved a car and a semi-tanker truck.
Emergency personnel responded to the crash on McNaughton Avenue shortly before 10 p.m. ET on Sunday.
Two others in the vehicle were also injured, one of whom has a life-threatening injury. Police said Tuesday her condition has stabilized but remains serious.
The driver of the semi-tanker truck suffered minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital.
Brian Horrobin, a pastor at First Baptist Church who has kids around the ages of the victims, said he and another pastor are looking to put together a service for the community to come together and pray for the families.
“Just for people to come and gather and process a little bit and pray for the families and the situation,” Horrobin said, adding details would be forthcoming.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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- What happened in the car crash in Chatham-Kent?
The car crash in Chatham-Kent involved a car and a semi-tanker truck, resulting in the death of three young people from Wallaceburg.
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- Who were the victims?
The victims of the car crash were identified as Victoria Baertsoen, 24, Matthew Cousins, 24, and Shae-Lynn Bachus, 23, all from Wallaceburg, Ontario.
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- How is the community responding to the tragedy?
The community of Chatham-Kent is deeply saddened by the tragic car crash. Aaron Hall, a Chatham-Kent councillor representing Wallaceburg, expressed the community’s shock and grief. He emphasized the tight-knit nature of the community and the support they provide to one another in times of hardship. The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has ordered flags to be flown at half mast, and the council will hold a moment of silence during their upcoming meeting to honor the lives lost.
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- Are there any updates on the survivors’ conditions?
According to Chatham-Kent police, two other individuals in the vehicle were injured, with one sustaining life-threatening injuries. However, as of the latest update, her condition has stabilized but remains serious. The driver of the semi-tanker truck involved in the collision suffered minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Community Service for Mourning and Prayer
Brian Horrobin, a pastor at First Baptist Church in Chatham-Kent, along with another pastor, is organizing a community service where people can come together to process the tragedy and offer prayers for the affected families. The service aims to provide support, comfort, and solace to those grieving the loss of their loved ones. Further details about the service will be announced soon.
The devastating car crash in Chatham-Kent has left the entire community in mourning. As they grieve the loss of Victoria Baertsoen, Matthew Cousins, and Shae-Lynn Bachus, residents of Wallaceburg are coming together to support one another and offer their condolences to the grieving families. The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of community solidarity and compassion during difficult times.
