A MAN is in custody after a van drove into a group of pedestrians in Toronto, Canada.
The horrific incident occurred at Yonge Street and Finch Avenue East in the city at around 1.27pm local time (6.25pm GMT).
At least 10 pedestrians were struck when the white van apparently jumped a curb and careened into them, according to local reports.
There are unconfirmed reports that a number of people may have lost their lives in the incident.
Global News Toronto journalist Jeremy Cohn tweeted that there were "multiple bodies" at the scene of the collision.
He wrote: "I’ve now walked up Yonge St from north of Sheppard to Finch. I have passed multiple dead bodies covered up, shoes and debris in the road. Witnesses tell me the white van appeared completely out of control."
Cohn added that “some have been pronounced dead on scene.”
I’ve now walked up Yonge St from north of Sheppard to Finch. I have passed multiple dead bodies covered up, shoes and debris in the road. Witnesses tell me the white van appeared completely out of control. pic.twitter.com/JEWynlTmZq
— Jeremy Cohn (@JeremyGlobalTV) April 23, 2018
The suspected driver of the van was taken into custody around an hour after the incident and the van has been located, Toronto Police media representative Gary Long told CNN.
“Reports were that a white van mounted the curb, drove down the sidewalk at southbound Yonge, south of Finch, and struck eight to 10 people possibly, the numbers aren’t confirmed yet,” said Mr Long.
No description was given of the driver, including his name, age, gender, or possible motive.
Toronto resident Henri Miller said he saw the incident.
He told Sky News it was "a white van speeding probably 60-70mph down this major road".
Chaotic scene on Yonge St. Paramedics treating people everywhere. Some have been pronounced dead on scene. pic.twitter.com/u2RL4BhgQs
— Jeremy Cohn (@JeremyGlobalTV) April 23, 2018
Mr Miller added: "It was swerving to, what I would say, fairly deliberately hitting pedestrians".
Police have shut down the stretch of road where the collision occurred and Toronto’s transit agency has suspended local subway services.
News of the tragedy broke as Cabinet ministers from the G7 countries were gathered in the Canadian city to discuss a range of international issues in the run-up to the G7 meeting in Quebec in June.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters: "Obviously we're just learning of the situation in Toronto.
"Our hearts go out to anyone affected. We're obviously going to have more to learn and more to say in the coming hours."
