HUNT ON FOR SUSPECTS IN MISSISSAUGA, ONT., BLAST
15 people injured following explosion at Indian restaurant
A blast that left 15 people injured at a busy Indian restaurant west of Toronto is not believed to be a hate crime or an act of terrorism, authorities said Friday as they searched for two men thought to be behind the explosion.
Police called Thursday night’s blast at the Bombay Bhel restaurant in Mississauga, Ont., an isolated incident and said they had no information suggesting a current threat to public safety.
Two birthday parties were taking place at the restaurant — and about 40 people were inside — when an improvised explosive device went off, but police said none of the young children present were hurt. Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie, who visited the site of the explosion Friday, said she was shocked at the brazenness of the incident.
“It is a heinous, reprehensible act, committed by cowards who would come into a restaurant where people are vulnerable, celebrating with their families, where children are present,’’ a visibly emotional Crombie said.
“You will be found and you will be brought to justice .... This does not happen in my Mississauga.’’
Police said two men walked into the restaurant, located near Hurontario Street and Eglinton Avenue, around 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, detonated an explosive device, then fled the scene on foot before jumping into an unidentified vehicle. Those injured in the explosion ranged in age from 23 to 69, police said. Three of the victims had initially been listed in critical condition, but by Friday afternoon, police said all had been released from hospital.
“There’s no indication that this is a terrorist act. There’s no indication that this is a hate crime,’’ Peel regional police Chief Jennifer Evans said outside the plaza where the restaurant is located. “At this time we haven’t ruled anything out as we start our investigation.’’
The area outside the restaurant remained taped off Friday afternoon. Officers also examined a scene a few hundred metres away, looking at footprints in a new residential development.
The restaurant issued a brief Facebook statement describing the attack as “extremely horrific and sad’’ and thanking those who expressed their support. Sanjiv Jagota, who owns a nearby store, was driving by the area Thursday night when he saw a number of emergency vehicles. Jagota said he’s good friends with Bombay Bhel’s owner, and he stood outside the police tape with the owner’s son.
“My main concern is that they’re OK,’’ he said, noting that the restaurant opened in the mid-1990s. “This place is like their baby.’’