SIU investigating deadly multi-vehicle crash involving stolen SUV in Scarborough

One person is dead and the province’s police watchdog is investigating after a multi-vehicle crash in Scarborough early Wednesday that left a stolen vehicle flipped onto its roof.

Toronto police say they were called to a crash at Markham Road and Milner Avenue, just north of Highway 401, around 6:30 a.m. for reports of a collision.

A total of six vehicles were involved in the crash that several witnesses say was caused by a speeding SUV that ran a red light before flipping over and crashing through the intersection.

Three people became trapped as a result and needed to be extricated before getting rushed to hospital, according to Toronto Fire.

Paramedics say four males total were taken to hospital, including two in critical condition. One of the men in critical condition was pronounced dead in hospital. The other two people have minor injuries.

Images from the scene show a dark-coloured Mercedes SUV on its roof near the intersection and at least two other badly damaged vehicles with debris strewn all over the intersection.

The Special Investigation Unit (SIU) confirmed Toronto police were attempting to stop the driver of the Mercedes for speeding and that the car was reported stolen.

The driver fled police at high speed and became involved in a collision involving five other vehicles, according to the SIU. The driver was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead. The driver of a van that was involved in the crash was listed in critical condition in hospital.

CityNews has confirmed with Peel Police that the Mercedes was reported stolen and is connected to a home invasion in Brampton.

Justin, one of the drivers whose vehicle got hit in the crash, said he was furthest back and sitting at a red light when he saw it unfold.

“The guy that flipped over ran a red coming south, and the guy was trying to make a left-hand turn and just creamed him, went flying and hit everybody,” he said. “Thankfully, I am OK.”

The SIU investigates police conduct that results in death, serious injury, sexual assault, and/or the discharge of a firearm at a person.