2 men sought in eatery blast

Explosion at Indian restaurant west of Toronto leaves 15 people injured; neither terrorism nor hate crime suspected

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — 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.”