Skip to content

Company 'deeply saddened' as probe continues into toddler's death

Barrie police were called to Red Maple Lane on Thursday after 23-month-old boy was struck by recycling truck; he later died in hospital
05232024boykilledgarbagetruck3
Barrie police investigate at the scene of a collision involving a recycling truck which killed a 23-month-old boy in southeast Barrie on May 23.

City police are still investigating last Thursday's tragic collision in south-end Barrie, which led to the death of a 23-month-old boy.

Barrie police were called to Red Maple Lane, near Yonge Street and Mapleview Drive East, on May 23 at 12:43 p.m. for an incident involving a young child and recycling collection truck. The boy later died in hospital after being airlifted to Toronto. 

“(The investigation) remains ongoing,” police communications co-ordinator Peter Leon told BarrieToday this morning. 

Upon arrival, police learned the boy had been hit by a recycling truck. He was transported to local hospital and later flown by air ambulance to a Toronto trauma centre where he was treated for life-threatening injuries.

The subsequent police investigation is being conducted by the Barrie police traffic unit, who have been assisted by the members of the forensic identification unit and officers who were assigned to the day shift, according to police.

Emterra Environmental, the company which operates the truck involved in the collision, responded with an emailed statement to BarrieToday on Friday.

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred on May 23, 2024, involving one of our company trucks," said Brad Muter, the firm’s chief operations officer. "Our hearts and deepest sympathies are with the family. We are fully co-operating with the ongoing investigation."

Circular Materials took over recycling collection in Barrie as of May 1. The organization contracts recycling collection in Barrie to Emterra.

City officials mourned the death of the young boy, with Mayor Alex Nuttall among those offering condolences to the family.



Kevin Lamb

About the Author: Kevin Lamb

Kevin Lamb picked up a camera in 2000 and by 2005 was freelancing for the Barrie Examiner newspaper until its closure in 2017. He is an award-winning photojournalist, with his work having been seen in many news outlets across Canada and internationally
Read more