Toronto van attack ‘terrible tragedy’: Nenshi

Mayor Naheed Nenshi says Calgarians are mourning the deaths of 10 people killed after a van mounted a sidewalk and crashed into pedestrians in north Toronto.

The incident also left 15 people injured.

Nenshi called the incident a “terrible tragedy.

“Regardless of speculation of what may or may not have happened, what we know is that a number of people have lost their lives and a number of people have been gravely injured,” he said Monday afternoon.

“Of course, Toronto is the city of my birth, it’s the city of my 20s. I know the street where this happened very, very well, which of course hits home. But it always hits home when we lose people in an act this senseless and I know that all of Calgarians’ thoughts and prayers are with the people of Toronto.

“I reached out to Mayor (John) Tory offering any support that he needs at this time and we will continue to grieve for those we’ve lost. We’ll continue to support the families and the first responders that are left behind.”

A man said to be the driver of the van is in custody after a brief standoff with police. The incident took place near the intersections of Yonge Street and Finch Avenue East at around 1:30 p.m. local time.

A moment of silence was held in council chambers during Monday ’s meeting at Calgary City Hall.

Premier Rachel Notley said in a statement that Albertans “are sharing in the sorrow” of those affected.

“We are also keeping the police, first responders and heroic citizens in our hearts and thank them for their courage and compassion as they helped today’s victims,” Notley said.

“As we wait for more details of this heartbreaking event to emerge, Albertans join Canadians across the country in hoping for those who are wounded and traumatized to find healing and recovery, and for those who have lost a loved one to find some measure of comfort in the nationwide outpouring of grief.

“Please know we stand with you in the face of this pain and tragedy."