CEDAR VALLEY, ON — A tragic two-vehicle crash on Highway 48 has left one man dead and three others seriously injured, with an 18-year-old driver from Oshawa now facing a series of criminal charges in connection with the incident.

According to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), the crash occurred Sunday along a stretch of Highway 48 between St. John Sideroad and Ballantrae Commons, approximately 10 kilometers east of Newmarket. Emergency responders rushed to the scene following multiple reports of a major collision involving several occupants—and a suspect who had reportedly fled before authorities arrived.

Police say five individuals were traveling together in one of the vehicles involved in the crash. Sadly, one of the passengers—a 35-year-old man—was pronounced dead at the scene as a result of the injuries he sustained.

The four surviving passengers were transported to nearby hospitals for emergency medical care. Their conditions have not been made public at this time, but police have confirmed that all suffered serious injuries.

The driver of the second vehicle, now identified as Jaiwin Kirubananthan, 18, of Oshawa, allegedly fled the scene on foot. With the assistance of York Regional Police, officers were able to locate and arrest the suspect shortly after the collision. He was taken into custody without further incident.

Kirubananthan is now facing multiple charges, including:

• Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death

• Three counts of dangerous operation causing bodily harm

• Failure to remain at the scene of a collision resulting in death

The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court at the Newmarket courthouse on Friday.

Investigators have not yet released further details regarding the cause of the crash, including whether speed, impairment, or distracted driving were contributing factors. However, the seriousness of the charges reflects the devastating impact of the incident and the high level of concern surrounding the suspect’s alleged behavior.

As part of their ongoing investigation, OPP officers are asking for the public’s assistance. Anyone who witnessed the crash, or who may have dashcam footage from the area around the time of the incident, is urged to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visiting www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca. Tipsters do not need to provide their names or testify in court and may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.

The identity of the deceased victim has not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin.

This tragic event has left the Cedar Valley and surrounding communities in shock. Residents familiar with the area describe this portion of Highway 48 as a heavily traveled corridor known for fast-moving traffic and limited visibility in certain areas. Police have not commented on whether road conditions or weather played a role in the collision.

As the investigation continues, authorities remain focused on gathering evidence, supporting the injured victims and their families, and pursuing justice through the legal system.