CALL 24/7Seven people were injured Friday morning — one critically — when a vehicle drove through the exterior wall of a GoodLife Fitness centre at Sherwood Forest Mall in London.
The 59-year-old driver now faces six counts of criminal negligence causing bodily harm.
What Happened at This Busy Gym Friday Morning?
Emergency crews were dispatched to Sherwood Forest Mall at 1225 Wonderland Road North just before 7:40 a.m. on June 12.
Approximately 30 women were already inside the GoodLife Fitness centre and participating in a class when the vehicle struck the west side of the building. The vehicle crashed through the exterior wall and into the gym itself.
London Police, the London Fire Department, and Middlesex-London Paramedic Services all responded to the scene. Members of both the Major Crime Section and Road Safety Section attended to gather evidence, review surveillance footage, and interview witnesses. The vehicle remained at the scene as investigators worked.
Seven People Were Injured in the Aftermath of this Collision
One woman became trapped under the vehicle, and several others were thrown during the impact. In all, seven people sustained injuries, including gym members inside the building when the crash occurred, and the driver of the vehicle. Many of the victims were transported to hospital by paramedics.
According to a CTV news report on Monday, June 15, one of the injured victims is in critical condition. Two other victims are reported to be in “fair” and “good” condition. The remaining four victims have been discharged.
A nearby business owner was arriving for work at the time of the crash and reported that she observed the vehicle travelling “really fast” and driving directly toward the building before the impact.
Police say evidence shows the vehicle accelerated into the building. The investigation remains ongoing.
The Charges and What Happens Next
London Police announced charges against the driver — Jennifer Lynn Hopper, 59 of London — Monday. She faces six counts of criminal negligence causing bodily harm.
Hopper appeared in court Monday and was released on bail. The matter will return to court in the coming months.
How Witnesses Can Help These Victims
Police are asking anyone who was in the area of the collision between 7:20 a.m. and 7:50 a.m. on June 12 and may have information to contact London Police.
This includes those who:
- Witnessed the crash as it happened — including the driver’s actions prior to the crash.
- Captured dashcam footage of the event as it happened — or even the aftermath.
- Have a nearby business that captured the incident on surveillance video.
- Captured video or images of the incident — or directly before or afterward — with their cellphone.
Criminal Negligence Causing Bodily Harm: What Makes This Different
Most vehicle collisions result in provincial charges under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act. This might be careless driving, failure to yield, and similar offences. Criminal negligence causing bodily harm is something else entirely.
Under the Criminal Code of Canada, criminal negligence causing bodily harm requires evidence of wanton or reckless disregard for the lives or safety of others. It’s a federal criminal offence, not a provincial one. The consequences of a conviction are substantially more serious than a Highway Traffic Act charge.
The fact that investigators have evidence the vehicle accelerated into the building is central to why these charges were laid. The investigation will determine what happened. But six criminal counts are a strong indicator that police believe there is evidence of more than an accident.
What This Means for the People Who Were Injured
People inside a gym on a Friday morning had every reason to expect they were safe. They weren’t on a road or travelling in a vehicle. They were exercising.
The fact that an injury occurred in a gym doesn’t change the right to pursue compensation. Ontario personal injury law isn’t limited to vehicle collisions. When someone’s actions cause harm, the people hurt by those actions have legal rights regardless of where the injury happened.
For those still in hospital, the recovery ahead may be long. At a minimum, this means medical bills and lost income until they can return to work. The disruption to their lives, the injuries, medical costs, and pain and suffering are all real consequences that deserve real legal attention.
Frequently Asked Questions About Claims Involving Criminal Negligence
What is criminal negligence causing bodily harm in Ontario?
Criminal negligence causing bodily harm is a federal offence under Section 221 of the Criminal Code of Canada. It applies when a person’s actions or failed actions show wanton or reckless disregard for the lives or safety of others, and that conduct causes bodily harm to another person. It is significantly more serious than a provincial offence like careless driving under the Highway Traffic Act and carries the possibility of prison if convicted.
Can I pursue a civil injury claim if the person who hurt me faces criminal charges?
Yes. Criminal proceedings and civil injury claims are completely separate legal processes. A criminal charge addresses whether the accused committed an offence against the state. A civil claim addresses the harm done to you personally—your injuries, your losses, and your right to compensation. One does not prevent or replace the other.
Does a criminal negligence charge strengthen my civil claim?
It can. Criminal charges indicate that investigators found evidence of serious wrongdoing. If the accused is convicted, that conviction may be used as evidence of fault in civil proceedings. Your lawyer will monitor the criminal case and factor its outcome into your claim.
Can I pursue compensation if I was injured inside a building rather than on a road?
Yes. Personal injury law in Ontario is not limited to road collisions. When someone’s actions—whether behind the wheel or otherwise—cause injury to another person, the injured party has the right to pursue compensation. The location of the injury does not determine whether a claim exists.
What if the person who injured me has been released on bail?
Bail release doesn’t affect your right to pursue a civil claim. It means the court has allowed the accused to remain in the community during the criminal proceedings—nothing more. Your civil claim proceeds independently of whether the accused is in custody.
Injured in the London Mall Crash? We Can Help
Being hurt while going about your morning is not something anyone anticipates. The people injured in this crash deserve to understand their legal rights and have someone in their corner as they recover.
At Greg Monforton & Partners, we help injured victims every day — we have been fierce advocates for the injured throughout Ontario for over 45 years. Our experienced London car accident lawyers know how to build strong claims in complex cases, including those involving criminal charges and ongoing investigations. Call to request your free case review today.
Call Greg Monforton & Partners for legal help today. (866) 320-4770
Free consultation. No upfront fees or out-of-pocket costs.
