Nine people have been killed and sixteen injured, after a van mounted a kerb in Canada’s largest city Toronto, according to police.
The incident happened in the north of the city, at busy crossing on Yonge Street and Finch Avenue, at 13:30 local time.
Afterwards mounting the kerb, the driver fled the scene. He was arrested a few blocks away. Witness reported a object being pointed at police, but he was apprehended without any shots being fired.
I’ve now walked up Yonge St from north of Sheppard to Finch. I have passed multiple dead bodies covered up, shoes and debris in the road. Witnesses tell me the white van appeared completely out of control. pic.twitter.com/JEWynlTmZq
— Jeremy Cohn (@JeremyCohnTV) April 23, 2018
It is not yet known if was a deliberate attack. Toronto Deputy Chief Peter Yuen said that police were investigating, and has appealed for witnesses.
VIDEO: This was the scene as I arrived on Yonge Street, just a few minutes after the call came in. Paramedics were triaging numerous patients and treating the most critical first. pic.twitter.com/7xoWTa7Cwu
— Jeremy Cohn (@JeremyCohnTV) April 23, 2018
Toronto police spokesperson Gary Long told Global News:
“Reports were that a white van mounted the kerb, drove down the sidewalk at southbound Yonge, south of Finch, and struck eight to 10 people possibly, the numbers aren’t confirmed yet.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted the following:
Our thoughts are with all those affected by the terrible incident at Yonge and Finch in Toronto. Thank you to the first responders working at the scene – we're monitoring the situation closely.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) April 23, 2018
