Lambton OPP say a six-year-old child died as a result of a single-vehicle collision in St. Clair Township Tuesday evening.
Police, the St. Clair Township Fire Department, and Lambton Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to the intersection of St. Clair Parkway and West Smith Line in Sombra at around 6:50 p.m.
"All four occupants of the sport utility vehicle (SUV) were transported to hospital," OPP said in a media release Wednesday morning. "Three individuals suffered life-threatening injuries. One of the passengers, a six-year-old of Walpole Island First Nation, was later pronounced deceased at hospital. The driver sustained serious non-life-threatening injuries."
A section of St. Clair Parkway was closed for about six hours while police investigated at the scene.
Members of the Lambton OPP Crime Unit and the OPP West Region Traffic Incident Management Enforcement (TIME) Team continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the collision, or who may have dash cam footage from the area at the time of the crash, to contact them at 1-888-310-1122.
Reports can also be made anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Further details, including the child's name, were not released.
In a post to Facebook on Wednesday morning, Walpole Island First Nation Council said the chief and council are "deeply sorry for the devastating loss of a beloved child in our community."
"It would be impossible for words to capture the grief and heartbreak of the families impacted, and the grief and overwhelm felt by our community, experiencing such a tragedy, but please know you are not alone," the message read. "There are people who care and who want to support you during this difficult time. Please reach out to a trusted parent, relative, elder, adult, counsellor, social worker, public health nurse, administrator, teacher, friend, neighbour, or family doctor at this time. Please reach out when you need help, guidance, or for someone to be there to simply listen."
Council also shared a list of resources available, including; grief counselling at the Walpole Island Health Centre 519-627-0765 and at the Chatham-Kent Health Centre 519-397-5455.
Bkejwanong Kinomaagewgamig, the Walpole Island Elementary School, on Tecumseh Road in Wallaceburg, is closed until further notice.
Principal Craig Lindsay also shared information in a Facebook post.
"It is with deep sadness that we inform you of a tragic accident that occurred last night. This has deeply affected our staff and students. At this time, our thoughts and prayers are with the students, their families, and all those affected by this heartbreaking news," Lindsay wrote. "In light of this tragedy, BK School will be closed until further notice to allow our community the space to grieve and begin to process this immense loss."
Lindsay said a crisis response team was being assembled to provide support for all students and staff.