UPDATE: Police Chief Mark Saunders says a suspect has been arrested. 25 year old Alek Minassian from Richmond Hill. He was not known to police.
Toronto police have confirmed 10 people are dead and 15 others injured after a white rental van mounted the sidewalk and struck multiple pedestrians in north Toronto.
Officers were called to Yonge St. and Finch Ave. East at 1:27 p.m. Monday for reports of a collision.
The driver of the van was arrested by Toronto police.
White Van seen plowing into people on #YongeStreet #Toronto injuries everywhere pic.twitter.com/bZFDVdhLz4
— Obelix (@henrimiller100) April 23, 2018
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre says they received a total of 10 victims from the scene. Two patients arrived vital signs absent and were pronounced dead. They say five people are in critical condition, and three are in serious condition. The hospital’s emergency department has also been locked down as as added precaution.
Hospital officials say members of the public who may be concerned their loved ones were involved in the incident can contact Sunnybrook’s Family Information and Support Centre at 416-480-4940.
Toronto Mayor John Tory offered the city’s assistance to police following the tragic incident. “My thoughts are with those affected by this incident and the frontline responders who are working to help those injured,” he said.
Tory also asked businesses in the area of Yonge St. and Finch Ave to close for the day in an effort to keep people out of the area.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his thoughts were with those affected. “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.”
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
Heartbroken to hear police confirm so many dead and injured today in Toronto. Ontario is united in grief. Our deepest condolences to the victims and their families. Provincial, municipal and federal officials continue to work closely together to investigate.
— Kathleen Wynne (@Kathleen_Wynne) April 23, 2018
Our thoughts & prayers are with the victims, families and first responders affected by today’s tragedy in Toronto. We stand with you, Toronto. #HamOnt
— Hamilton Police (@HamiltonPolice) April 23, 2018
Horribly tragic incident in Toronto. Loss of life & injuries to innocence bystanders. Our thoughts are with the families of those impacted & with the swift response of police & paramedics. #HamOnt @JohnTory #Torontoparamedics @TorontoComms https://t.co/b4nknadTNK
— Fred Eisenberger (@FredEisenberger) April 23, 2018
