10 dead, 15 injured in Toronto as van ploughs into pedestrians
10 dead and 15 injured as a 25-year-old Alek Minassian drove a van into pedestrians in Canada. This incident happened on Monday around 1.30pm in a busy business district of Toronto. Within 20 minutes, a van crashed on to the sidewalk on pedestrians.
The accused driver Minassian was confronted by Toronto Police and take under arrest. After the terrible event was under control a video captured by cellphone went viral where the man was seen shouting “Kill me" as the officer pointed a gun at him.
Initially, the driver threatened the policemen, saying that he has a gun in his pocket and he would fire if they don't halt. At one point, the driver threatens the policeman, saying he has a gun in his pocket. Finally, the standoff ended between them and the accused handcuffed.
This event happened at the intersection of Yonge Street and Finch Avenue which is one of the major business centres. Till now a stretch of over a kilometre in the North York area is blocked. The motive behind the attack hasn't been found.
As per the Linkedin profile, the accused was from a suburb of Toronto. He was a student of computer software at Seneca College. According to the police officials, this event was an isolated attack and as if now there is no national security connection.
Mayor John Tory said, “Our city denounces this and all acts of violence and we are united in our grief over this devastating loss of life.”
Prime Minister Trudeau said in a statement: “It was with great sadness that I heard about the tragic and senseless attack that took place in Toronto this afternoon. On behalf of all Canadians, I offer my heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of those who were killed, and my thoughts for a fast and full recovery to those injured.”
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First published: 24 April 2018, 11:35 IST