Twitter/JeremyCohnNine people have been killed in Toronto, and 16 injured, after a van mounted the pavement and sped into crowds, mowing down numerous pedestrians.
The incident occurred at an incredibly busy intersection. The extent of the injuries in question remain unconfirmed.
Footage of the suspect that allegedly rammed a van into a crowd of people in #Toronto being arrested.
Read more HERE: https://t.co/25YxYlMYNA pic.twitter.com/b4r6UNIglS
— i24NEWS English (@i24NEWS_EN) April 23, 2018
The driver of the van allegedly drove off following the incident, which took place at the intersection of Yonge Street and Finch Avenue, however he has since been found and arrested.
Another video from the scene, reportedly shows the van driver pointing a ‘possible weapon’ at a police officer before being arrested.
Toronto Police says nine people have been killed and 16 people have been injured after a van hit pedestrians in the city
— Sky News Breaking (@SkyNewsBreak) April 23, 2018
No information about the driver has been released as of yet.
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
According to BBC News, the collision took place at 13:30 local time (17:30GMT) and police have since asked all members of the public to avoid the area.
Toronto Police deputy chief , Peter Yuen, told press:
We can confirm for you tonight, right now, we have nine people that are dead. Sixteen that are injured.
Toronto Police Service has mobilised all available resources and I can assure the public all available resources have been brought in to address this tragic situation and to investigate this situation…
Peter Yuen, Toronto Police Deputy Chief: “We can confirm for you tonight right now we have 9 people that are dead, 16 that are injured.” pic.twitter.com/0HQrWteeqW
— Fox News (@FoxNews) April 23, 2018
Photos taken at the scene of the crime show numerous armed police as well as paramedics treating the injured.
Another photo shows an orange bag, presumably containing a body, being placed inside an ambulance.
Global News Toronto journalist, Jeremy Cohn, who is reporting from the scene, tweeted:
There are bodies all over Yonge Street right now.
There are bodies all over Yonge Street right now. pic.twitter.com/dABsJlTa5z
— Jeremy Cohn (@JeremyGlobalTV) April 23, 2018
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said:
Obviously we’re just learning of the situation in Toronto.
Our hearts go out to anyone affected. We’re obviously going to have more to learn and more to say in the coming hours.
It is not yet confirmed whether the incident is being treated as terror related.
Our thoughts go out to all those affected by this horrific incident.
