Two killed, two injured after vehicle strikes pedestrians in British Columbia
Incident occurred during a First Nations event marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Two people were killed and two others were injured when a vehicle collided with pedestrians on Tsawwassen First Nation land in British Columbia. The incident took place during a community walk on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a holiday that honors victims and survivors of Canada's residential school system.
The deceased were identified as elders of the Tsawwassen First Nation. The collision occurred around 10:25 a.m. local time in a parking lot.
Police stated that the driver of the vehicle may have been experiencing a medical emergency at the time of the incident and do not believe it is related to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation observances. The two injured individuals were transported to the hospital for treatment.
"Our thoughts are with the families, loved ones, and all those affected by this tragic incident," the Delta Police Department said in a statement. Eyewitnesses reported that over a dozen ambulances responded to the scene.
The Tsawwassen First Nation had organized a community walk and the unveiling of a house post to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The event was scheduled to run from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. local time.
Canada began observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in 2021, following the discovery of unmarked burial sites at former residential schools. The holiday coincides with Orange Shirt Day, an indigenous-led initiative to remember children who went missing or died in residential schools.