Van Mounts Curb in Toronto, Injures at least 8 Pedestrians

Van Mounts Curb in Toronto, Kills 10 People and Injures 15

The driver of the van fled after jumping the curb and injuring at least eight people.

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • Apr 24, 2018

Police in Toronto say a van jumped the curb on a fairly crowded street on Monday afternoon killing 10 people and injuring 15 more.

Authorities continue to investigate whether the incident was intentional, but police have said that the driver of the van attempted to run after jumping the curb and injuring several pedestrians. Witnesses from the scene say the van was in full control as it rammed into pedestrians, mailboxes, electrical poles, benches and a fire hydrant.

Several politicians in Canada have identified the incident as an "attack" but police have not found any indicators that the suspect was associated with any terror groups.

The driver, a 25-year-old man, was not previously known to authorities and was taken into custody without issue just minutes after the van came to a stop after driving on the sidewalk for nearly one kilometer, or just over a half a mile. The arresting officer told the media that the driver did have a gun on him and attempted to brandish it in front of officers, but when police shouted, "Get down!" the suspect did.

The incident occurred on Yonge Street, which is described as Toronto's most popular road, and is widely celebrated as the longest street in Canada. Authorities say that while the van only jumped the curb in one place, the majority of the pedestrian fatalities and injures were located in two different.

While officials have not linked the vehicle crash with any terror groups, it is reminiscent of attacks by Islamic State supporters using vehicles that have shaken up Nice, France, Berlin, Barcelona, London and New York.

The suspect is due in court Tuesday. Follow @SecurToday on Twitter for timely updates.

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

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