Around 10 people were injured when a van struck a crowd of people in Toronto on Monday afternoon, April 23, according to reports. A suspect was arrested.
The Toronto Police said that between 8 and 10 people were struck around Yonge Street south of Finch Avenue when a white van went down the sidewalk. The driver was later arrested, CTV reported.
“He started going down on the sidewalk and crumbling down people one by one,” witness Alex Shaker told CTV News. Shaker said that he saw the van hit someone with a stroller.
“He just destroyed so many people’s lives,” he said. “Every single thing that got in his way.”
The extent of the people who were injured is currently unknown. Photos posted online showed several people on the ground, apparently injured.
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 (@JeremyGlobalTV) April 23, 2018
“It was just so many bodies,” Carol Roberts, a witness, told CTV.
Nearby subway services were halted due to the incident, the BBC reported. Photos taken at the scene also show police armed with rifles and paramedics treating people.
“Reports were that a white van mounted the curb, drove down the sidewalk at southbound Yonge, south of Finch, and struck eight to 10 people possibly, the numbers aren’t confirmed yet,” Toronto police spokesman Gary Long told Canadian broadcaster Global News.
No description was given about the driver, including the motive.
Update: unknown of extent of injuries, possible 8 – 10 pedestrians struck further when I get it ^gl
— Toronto Police OPS (@TPSOperations) April 23, 2018
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters: “Obviously we’re just learning of the situation in Toronto,” reported the BBC.
“Our hearts go out to anyone affected. We’re obviously going to have more to learn and more to say in the coming hours.”
Toronto Mayor John Tory said he’s going to the area of the incident, the CBC reported.
“My thoughts are with those affected by this incident and the frontline responders who are working to help those injured. I have offered any and all assistance that the city can provide to police to help this investigation.”
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