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Toronto Attack: Multiple Fatalities After Several Pedestrians Struck By Van - VIDEOS

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 23 Apr, 2018 12:00 PM

TORONTO — Nine people died and 16 others were injured when a van mounted a sidewalk and struck multiple pedestrians along a stretch of one of Toronto's busiest streets, authorities said Monday, calling it "a horrific attack."

Deputy police chief Peter Yuen said the driver of the van was taken into custody, but did not provide details as to his identity or any charges he may be facing.

"I can assure the public all our available resources have been brought in to address this tragic situation and to investigate," Yuen told reporters near the scene.

Yuen said calls began pouring into police at 1:30 p.m. reporting a driver careening down a stretch of Yonge Street between Finch Avenue and Sheppard Avenue in the city's north end, which is home to many businesses.

Toronto Mayor John Tory offered condolences to the families and the victims of the incident, saying the city was setting up a hotline to offer support to those affected and another one for witnesses who could help with the police investigation.

Tory called for "a spirit of unity" as many residents are likely struggling to come to terms with what happened.

"This is a time when this community should come together," he said. "These are not the kinds of things that we expect to happen in this city. We hope they don't happen anywhere in the world, but we especially don't expect them to happen in Toronto."

Toronto Paramedic Services said the injured were transported to various hospitals throughout the city, including Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, which reported that two of the 10 patients transported to their emergency rooms were pronounced dead on arrival. The hospital said five patients remain in critical condition and three are in serious condition.

While police did not comment on any possible motive for the incident, Canada's public safety minister said there is no indication that the national terrorism threat level should be raised.

"There is no information available to me at the present time that would indicate a change in the risk level," said Ralph Goodale, who was in Toronto attending a meeting of the G7 foreign ministers and other security officials when the incident happened.

"Grateful for the brave and professional response of @TorontoPolice and other first responders to the horrific attack at Yonge and Finch," he tweeted moments later. "Canadians are appalled at what happened. The victims and their families have our deepest condolences."

Eyewitnesses to the incident described a scene of devastation.

Phil Zullo was driving north on Yonge Street early Monday afternoon when he said he observed police chasing a vehicle.

Moments later he said he realized why.

"I must have seen about five, six people being resuscitated by bystanders and by ambulance drivers," Zullo said. "It was awful. Brutal. Just people everywhere. People — shoes and shirts and ball caps on the floor, and some of the bodies were completely covered by blankets."

Photos from the scene showed paramedics treating several people on a blood-stained sidewalk.

Dainis Cevers said he was driving to pick up a relative at a nearby church when the alleged perpetrator cut in front of him, hit a pedestrian and accelerate.

"The guy flew up all the way to the end of that sidewalk...about five or six metres," Cevers said.

Restaurant manager Noorani Barsat said he raced outside after hearing a commotion to find a badly injured man lying nearby.

"I just ran over there, brought water and a towel to that injured man, but he was unconscious," Barsat said, adding first responders took about 20 minutes to reach the scene.

Tareq Amir was on his way to the bank when he came upon the aftermath of the crash, which he said destroyed a bus shelter and left at least three people injured within his view.

"Nobody knows what's going on here," he said. "But I'm really sorry for the people that get injured."

Toronto's district fire chief said firefighters responding to the incident helped treat and triage patients at several locations.

"I believe patients were found at three different areas," Stephan Powell said.

Dozens of people stood in silence close to the crash scene as a police helicopter hovered overhead. Streets in the area were closed as dozens of police cruisers converged on the area. Police said a section of the street where the incident happened will remain closed for several days as officers conduct what they expect to be a long and complex investigation.

The head of the Toronto Police Association said they are bringing in counsellors for officers who responded to the incident.

"Nobody's seen anything like this. I've been in policing for 30 years we've never seen this and again, unfortunately, this is the new world order and we're very concerned about it," Mike McCormack said.

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne said all levels of government and law enforcement are working together on what she called a "frightening and tragic situation."

"I think we are all unsettled and very disturbed by a situation like this. I think it's impossible not to be," she said. "It's frightening and we have to rely on the people who are trained, who can make sure that information is available as it needs to be and that the precautionary measures are taken here in the city and around the province."

Ontario Progressive Conservative leader Doug Ford and New Democrat Leader Andrea Horwath also offered sympathies.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also extended his sympathies.

"Our hearts go out to everyone affected," Trudeau said in Ottawa. "We are going to have more to learn and more to say in the coming hours."

The incident was a top story on numerous international news networks and websites, with scenes from Canada being broadcast live.

It quickly became fodder for domestic political discussions south of the border.

Sen. Ted Cruz used the Toronto event to urge his colleagues in the Senate to approve the nomination of a new secretary of state, which is being resisted by Democrats.

''As we look at this attack in Toronto, we obviously don't know the details yet, but it underscores what a dangerous world we're in,'' the Texas senator told Fox News.

''This is a perilous time across the world. We need a strong, steady hand as secretary of state.''

Toronto police Chief Mark Saunders, who was in New York when the incident happened, was expected to arrive in Toronto later on Monday to provide an update on the investigation.

Police have provided an update after a van struck several pedestrians in north-end Toronto on Monday. Nine people are dead and 16 others are injured. The driver of the van is in custody and police have mobilized all available resources. #TorontoAttack pic.twitter.com/IdZx3PLylv
— CBC News: The National (@CBCTheNational) April 23, 2018

It's crazy how quick the police will shoot a unarmed black man, but won't shoot a suspected terrorist who's pointing an object at them #yongeandfinch #TorontoAttack pic.twitter.com/GSVO6z5b0o
— DasH INCredible (@DameDash_) April 23, 2018

The #TorontoAttack happened right outside my apartment. I was at a loss for words seeing all the body bags just laying there on the sidewalk.

Life is really a gift. pic.twitter.com/Ti5C3vBMOh
— hayley ✨ (@PRlNCXSS) April 23, 2018

Police have arrested a suspect after a white van mounted the curb and struck numerous pedestrians in Toronto.

The incident happened on Yonge Street south of Finch Avenue, according to the Toronto Police Service. Initial estimates suggest eight to 10 people were struck.

Police telling onlookers to move back from deceased victim, covered by blanket behind this police vehicle. Lots of people here shaken up by the scene. @globalnewsto pic.twitter.com/hNjqQFW6v3
— Kamil Karamali (@KamilKaramali) April 23, 2018

Police say “multiple” pedestrians were hit just before 1:30 p.m. Monday, though they initially reported 8-10.

TORONTO — 2:45 p.m.

#yongeandfinch possible suspect arrested #torontoattack pic.twitter.com/teqL0UyYri
— CLARK HUA ZHANG (@FTV_Huazhang) April 23, 2018

Toronto Mayor John Tory says he is on his way to the scene of an incident in which several pedestrians were struck by a van.

Tory says in a statement his thoughts are with those affected by the incident and the frontline responders who are working to help those injured.

The mayor says he has offered any and all assistance that the city can provide to police to help with the investigation.

UPDATE 1:27 pm, police were called to Yonge Street and Finch Avenue East, for a collision.
A Media Sgt from traffic services is on their way to the scene.
Too early to confirm the number of pedestrians struck or their injuries. More to come.^gl
— Toronto Police OPS (@TPSOperations) April 23, 2018

———

2:30 p.m.

Toronto police say one person is in custody after multiple pedestrians were hit by a van in north Toronto.

They say the person arrested is the driver of the vehicle involved in the incident at the Yonge Street and Finch Avenue area.

———

A portrait in bravery. A Toronto police officer stares down the perp in the #torontoattack today. The perp had a gun, the cop brought him down.
Thank your local first responders today. https://t.co/2lktjwAGPW
— Brian Lilley (@brianlilley) April 23, 2018

2:15 p.m.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his sympathies for those involved.

"Our hearts go out to everyone affected," Trudeau said in Ottawa. "We are going to have more to learn and more to say in the coming hours."

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

Ontario Progressive Conservative Leader Doug Ford also weighed in.

"Our thoughts are with the victims and those affected," he said on Twitter. "Thank you to the brave EMS and first responders who are working tirelessly to help."

Video: Multiple bodies dead at Yonge and Finch #TorontoAttack where van strikes padestrians #BreakingNews pic.twitter.com/gC3OeGzFW9
— T a h 0 // (@that_i_do) April 23, 2018

———

1:27 p.m.

Police report multiple pedestrians struck by a van in north Toronto.

They said the extent of their injuries isn't known.

Chaotic scene on Yonge St. Paramedics treating people everywhere. Some have been pronounced dead on scene. pic.twitter.com/u2RL4BhgQs
— Jeremy Cohn (@JeremyGlobalTV) April 23, 2018

Television footage form the scene shows multiple first responders treating people on the sidewalk.

My statement on the tragic incident at Yonge and Finch. pic.twitter.com/8FhH3M5Vhd
— John Tory (@JohnTory) April 23, 2018

Hearing a number of people have been hurt at Yonge and Finch. My thoughts are with everyone affected. We’re following the situation closely — working with our federal and municipal partners. Thank you to the first responders caring for victims and witnesses.
— Kathleen Wynne (@Kathleen_Wynne) April 23, 2018

Van used in alleged toronto terror incident pic.twitter.com/H85APoDgRL
— Mike Drolet (@MDroletGlobalTV) April 23, 2018

Video from Yonge and Finch at Toronto pic.twitter.com/YvS8GcJ8pg
— Vince (@vce7) April 23, 2018

BREAKING: Toronto Police say nine people are dead, 16 others are injured in van incident on Yonge Street. More on @NEWS1130
— Amanda Wawryk (@AmandaWawryk) April 23, 2018

9 dead in Toronto, authorities confirm it was a terrorist attack.

Terrorist described as "Middle Eastern".

"Motive unknown." 🤔
— Paul Joseph Watson (@PrisonPlanet) April 23, 2018

Eyewitness to the Toronto Terrorist attack identifies the killer as a 'darker-skinned' man of 'middle eastern' origin. If this makes you uncomfortable, then I suggest you talk to the victims of Nice, Berlin and Stockholm. pic.twitter.com/MhS2AVHBjc
— Tarek Fatah (@TarekFatah) April 23, 2018

We are all shocked and saddened by the incident at Yonge and Finch today. We offer our condolences to the families of the victims and those injured in the attack. Islamic Relief stands by to help in whatever way we can. Our thoughts and prayers go to out to our Toronto community.
— IslamicRelief Canada (@IRCanada) April 23, 2018

BREAKING NEWS: Local journalist on scene of the Toronto van attack says people began yelling from a parking garage and that the police then arrested a second person with damage to his car. Circumstances unclear.
DEVELOPING pic.twitter.com/Bu4DniTFoq
— BNL NEWS (@BreakingNLive) April 23, 2018

Our hearts are with the people of Toronto today. This was a senseless attack, and we offer our deepest sympathies for the victims and their families.
— John Horgan (@jjhorgan) April 23, 2018

A LIST OF ATTACKS INVOLVING VANS RUNNING INTO PEOPLE OVER PAST YEARS

Nine people have died and 16 are injured after a van mounted a sidewalk in north Toronto on Monday. Federal Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale called it a "horrific attack" that has appalled Canadians. Here is a list of other attacks involving vehicles crashing into people:

Feb. 14, 2001, Azur, Israel — A Palestinian driver upset about weeks of Mideast violence rams his bus into a packed bus stop, killing seven Israeli soldiers and a civilian.

July 2, 2008, Jerusalem — A Palestinian labourer driving a front-end loader rams into vehicles and rolls over pedestrians, killing three people and wounding dozens.

Oct. 29, 2013, Beijing — An SUV hits pedestrians and crashes near Beijing's Tiananmen Gate in an apparent suicide rampage. Five people are killed and 38 are injured. The vehicle's three occupants were killed along with two bystanders.

May 22, 2014, Urumqi, China — Assailants in two SUVs plow through shoppers while setting off explosives on a busy street market. Local officials say 31 were killed and more than 90 were injured.

Oct. 20, 2014, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que. — A man uses a car to hit two members of the Canadian Armed Forces. The driver, 25-year-old Martin Couture-Rouleau, is fatally shot by police after a brief chase. Warrant officer Patrice Vincent dies from his injuries.

Oct. 22, 2014, Jerusalem — A Palestinian motorist with a history of anti-Israel violence slams his car into a crowded train station, killing a three-month-old baby girl and wounding eight people in what police called a terror attack.

Dec. 22, 2014, Nantes, France — At least 11 people are injured when a truck crashes into a Christmas market in Nantes. Five victims are seriously injured.

July 14, 2016, Nice, France — A truck drives on to the sidewalk and plows through a crowd of Bastille Day revellers. Eighty-six people are killed. The number of injured is estimated at more than 400.

Nov. 28, 2016, Columbus, Ohio — Officials praise an Ohio State University police officer who shot and killed a man a minute after he drove his car into a crowd and then stabbed multiple people. Eleven people were injured.

Dec. 19, 2016, Berlin — A truck attack on a Christmas market kills 12 people and injures nearly 50 others.

Jan. 8 2017, Jerusalem — A Palestinian rams his truck into a group of Israeli soldiers, killing four people and wounding 15 others.

March 22, 2017, London — An attacker plows an SUV into pedestrians on London's Westminster Bridge, killing five people and wounding dozens before fatally stabbing a police officer inside the gates of Parliament. The assailant was shot dead by armed officers.

April 7, 2017, Stockholm, Sweden — Four are killed and 15 wounded after a stolen beer truck is driven down a pedestrian street in the Swedish capital.

June 3, 2017, London — A white van slams into pedestrians on London Bridge, killing eight people. Another 48 are injured in the terror attack.

June 19, 2017, London — A man drives his van into a crowd of worshippers attending Ramadan prayers near London's Finsbury Park Mosque. One person dies and nine others are injured in the attack.

Sept. 30, 2017, Edmonton — A man in a car runs down, then stabs a police officer outside Commonwealth Stadium during an Edmonton Eskimos football game before running away. A few hours later, police chase a suspect driving a U-Haul cube van as it strikes and injures four pedestrians downtown.

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