10 killed, 15 injured in Toronto mishap; driver arrested

New Delhi: Media reports said on April 24 that at least 10 persons were killed and 15 injured when a van rammed into pedestrians in downtown Toronto. The rental van was driven along the sidewalk for more than 2 km.

Canadian police arrested the driver of the van, Alek Minassian. The police have taken Manassian, 25, into custody, but the motive for the attack is still not clear.

Panic gripped north Toronto after the incident. Toronto Mayor John Tory praised the police for taking swift action and arresting the driver. In a brief statement, he said: “Our city denounces this and all acts of violence and we are united in our grief over this devastating loss of life.”

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau offered his condolence and prayers for families affected in the incident.

Minister of public security Ralph Goodale said on the basis of available information there was no national security connection to this incident. “Horrible day in Toronto,” he posted on Twitter.

Police seized the van.