One of three men to survive the crash in Hampstead that killed 11 people last year is returning to Peru, meaning he may never be able to return to Canada, CTV News has learned.
On Feb. 6, 2012, a van carrying migrant workers collided with a transport truck in one of the worst crashes in Ontario history.
An investigation concluded that driver error was to blame for the crash.
Juan Ariza, 36, survived the crash, but physical and mental scars remained with him as he rehabilitated in a London nursing home.
During an interview with CTV News in February, Ariza said through an interpreter that he feels “80 years old” while walking.
Also concerning him was the condition of his wife in Peru. Following spinal surgery, she is unable to use her limbs.
The two have an 8-year-old son, Flavio.
On Monday, Ariza left Canada for Peru.
Friends of Ariza tell CTV News Ariza’s application to become a permanent resident of Canada has sat unanswered for seven months, discouraging him and factoring into his decision to leave for Peru.
Under Canadian immigration rules, anyone who leaves the country while a permanent residence application is being processed may not be allowed back into Canada.
As for the other survivors of the crash, Javier Medina has been in Peru since December, while Edgar Sulla Puma is undergoing intensive rehab at a group home in Hamilton.
Puma will be applying for permanent residency based on humanitarian and compassionate grounds.
