Police in Toronto now report the death toll has risen from nine to ten people and 15 injured after a van jumped a curb and plowed into pedestrians.
It happened around 1:30pm Monday on Yonge St. between Shepherd and Finch Ave. The driver of the van took off, but was later taken into police custody.
Police have identified 25-year-old Alek Minassian of Richmond Hill as the alleged driver in the incident. He was not known to Toronto police prior to the incident and there has been no word on a possible motive.
During a news conference late Monday afternoon, Toronto Police Acting Chief Peter Yuen said police have mobilized all police resources to investigate the incident.
Toronto Mayor John Tory said the area along Yonge St. is expected to be closed off for several days while police conduct an investigation.
"These are not the kind of things we expect to see in this city. We hope they don't happen anywhere in the world, but we especially don't expect them to happen in Toronto," said Tory. "I hope we will, as a city, remind ourselves of the fact that we are admired around the world as being inclusive and for being accepting, understanding and considerate, and that we are united in standing in solidarity, especially with those who have fallen victim to this terrible tragedy."
Police have set up a hotline for anyone who is concerned about family or loved ones who may have been involved in the incident. Another hotline has also been established for anyone who may have information that will help with the police investigation.
Top politicians including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Premier Kathleen Wynne, and Mayor Tory have taken to social media to express their condolences for the victims and their families.
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
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
My statement on the tragic incident at Yonge and Finch. pic.twitter.com/8FhH3M5Vhd
— John Tory (@JohnTory) April 23, 2018
-With files from Kirk Dickinson