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A three-year-old boy was tragically killed after being struck by a starting gate during a horse racing event in Canada.
According to reports, the boy - believed to be Gunnar Dickison - was hit by the gate as it was being towed by a pickup truck last Saturday.
In chilling YouTube footage, the truck can be seen leading the horses round the track to start the race before the announcer shouts: 'There they go!'
Around the same time, a crashing sound can be heard off-camera - prompting a couple of the jockeys to turn around - before screams ring out. 'What just happened?' the announcer asks. Audio then briefly cuts out.
'We need an ambulance, call an ambulance please, to the grandstand folks,' the announcer says. 'If there’s a doctor on the grounds anywhere to the grandstand please, right away.'
At this stage, police believe the incident is a 'tragic accident'. First responders headed to the Connell Park Raceway in Woodstock, New Brunswick, around 1:25pm local time.
WARNING: DISTRESSING FOOTAGE
A boy, 3, was killed after being struck by a starting gate during a horse racing event in Canada
A fundraiser has been set up to support the family of the three-year-old boy, Gunnar Dickison
The three-year-old was rushed to a nearby hospital but medics were unable to save his life, according to CBC.
'It does appear, based on the initial information from some people that we've got, that it is a tragic accident,' Deputy Chief Simon Watts of the Woodstock Police Force said in a news conference, per CBC News.
'We know nowadays, everyone's got a cellphone camera, so if we can obviously get clarification on where the incident actually took place and the details of it, and there's a few questions with regard to closeness of the gate.'
According to CBC, cops would not comment on whether anyone will face charges over the boy's death. Starting gates are used to ensure horses begin a race from the same point.
Authorities in Woodstock have announced an investigation into the incident in a bid to avoid further tragedies. They also offered 'condolences to all those affected' by the 'unimaginable loss.'
Watts revealed that the New Brunswick Coroner's Services and the Atlantic Provinces Harness Racing Commission would be conducting their own probes.
'As many of you know, there was a tragic accident last night at our racetrack. The Woodstock Driving Club is now accepting donations to help support the family with the unexpected expenses during this incredibly difficult time,' the track wrote on Facebook alongside a sketch of a boy with the message: 'Love you always Gunnar!'
Meanwhile, Dr. Mitchell Downey - president of Horse Racing New Brunswick - said: 'The entire racing community is deeply saddened by the tragic events of June 14.
'On behalf of all our participants, we wish to express our deepest sympathies. We also ask everyone to keep the family in their thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.'
