SCARBOROUGH, Ontario — A man in his 90s remains in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle in a Scarborough intersection on Saturday evening, according to Toronto police.
The incident occurred just before 6:30 p.m. in the area of Sheppard Avenue East and Kennedy Road, a busy junction in the east end of the city known for its mix of residential neighborhoods and commercial strips. Emergency responders arrived quickly to the scene, where paramedics found the elderly pedestrian in life-threatening condition and rushed him to a nearby trauma center.
Toronto police reported that the driver of the striking vehicle stayed at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. No charges have been announced at this time, and authorities have not released further details about the circumstances leading to the collision. The investigation is ongoing, with police urging anyone with information or dashcam footage to come forward.
According to a statement from Toronto Paramedic Services, the man was transported with severe injuries, though specific medical details have not been disclosed due to privacy concerns. Officials described the victim's condition as critical, emphasizing the vulnerability of elderly pedestrians in urban traffic environments.
This collision marks the latest in a series of pedestrian incidents in Toronto's east end over the past year. In 2025 alone, the city recorded more than 1,200 pedestrian-involved collisions, with Scarborough accounting for a significant portion, according to Toronto Police Service annual reports. Experts attribute the rise to factors like increased vehicle speeds on major arterials and the challenges of navigating crosswalks during rush hours.
Local residents expressed shock over the event, which unfolded on a clear winter evening. One neighbor, who asked not to be named, told reporters she heard sirens blaring around 6:45 p.m. and saw emergency lights flashing at the intersection. "It's a spot where people cross all the time to get to the mall or the bus stop," she said. "You wouldn't think something like this could happen so close to home."
Toronto Police Constable Marco Ricciuti, speaking to media at the scene, provided initial details. "The male pedestrian was struck by a vehicle traveling eastbound on Sheppard Avenue," he said. "The driver stopped immediately and called 911. We're looking into all aspects of what occurred." Ricciuti added that weather conditions were not a factor, as roads were dry and visibility was good.
The intersection of Sheppard Avenue and Kennedy Road is a high-traffic area, serving as a gateway to the Agincourt neighborhood, home to a diverse community including many seniors. Recent infrastructure improvements, such as new traffic signals installed in 2024, were intended to enhance pedestrian safety, but advocates argue more needs to be done. The Toronto Pedestrian Advocacy Group has called for additional crosswalk enhancements and speed cameras in similar hotspots.
In a broader context, pedestrian fatalities and serious injuries have been a growing concern across Ontario. Provincial data from the Ministry of Transportation shows that individuals over 80 are among the most at-risk groups, with reaction times and mobility issues playing a role in many accidents. Last year, Toronto saw 48 pedestrian deaths, the highest in a decade, prompting city council to allocate funds for safety audits on major roads like Sheppard Avenue.
While police have not speculated on fault, witnesses described a chaotic scene shortly after the impact. One driver, Raj Patel, who was stopped at a nearby light, recounted the moments following the collision. "I saw the car hit him from the side; it wasn't going fast, but it was enough," Patel said. "The driver looked horrified and jumped out right away. Thank God he didn't flee." Patel's account aligns with police reports that the motorist remained on site.
Investigators from the Toronto Police Traffic Services Unit are reconstructing the event using available evidence, including vehicle data and potential surveillance footage from nearby businesses. The Sheppard Avenue and Kennedy Road area features several retail outlets and a major transit hub, increasing the likelihood of recorded video. Police have canvassed the neighborhood for additional leads.
As the man fights for his life, community leaders in Scarborough are renewing calls for pedestrian-friendly reforms. Councillor Jim Karygiannis, whose ward includes the intersection, issued a statement late Saturday. "Our thoughts are with the victim and his family during this difficult time," he said. "We must prioritize safety measures to prevent tragedies like this in the future." Karygiannis has previously advocated for reduced speed limits on Sheppard Avenue, citing its role as a pedestrian corridor.
The incident has also drawn attention to emergency response times in the east end. Toronto Paramedic Services data indicates an average response of under eight minutes for high-priority calls in Scarborough, which played a crucial role in this case. Chief Michael D'Innocenzo noted in a recent briefing that ongoing training and equipment upgrades have improved outcomes for trauma patients.
Looking ahead, police expect to provide updates on the victim's condition and any charges as the investigation progresses. The closure of lanes on Sheppard Avenue for several hours Saturday night caused minor delays, but traffic has since returned to normal. Authorities are reminding drivers to remain vigilant, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic.
This event underscores the ongoing challenges of urban mobility in growing cities like Toronto, where the balance between vehicular efficiency and pedestrian safety remains precarious. As details emerge, the community awaits clarity on what led to the collision and how such incidents can be averted moving forward.