The tragic incident involving a van hitting and killing 10 pedestrians, injuring over a dozen, occurred just meters away from official residence of Sri Lanka Consul General in North York.
Sri Lanka Consul General U.L.M. Jauhar was in his office in mid-town Toronto when the incident occurred.
In a tweet, the consulate shared its condolences with all Torontonians and was awaiting information on nationalities of those killed and injured. Consulate officials were in contact with hospitals and other authorities.
Canada and primarily the Toronto area is home to the largest Sri Lankan expatriate population outside Asia.
Toronto police say that 10 people are dead and 15 are injured. The scene stretches on Yonge Street, (the world’s longest street) for several blocks from Finch Ave. south to Sheppard Ave.
Police also confirmed the driver of the van has been arrested. Local media has identified the man arrested as Alek Minassian. No charges have been laid and Toronto police have not officially released the name of the driver.
