Seven individuals were hurt in London, Ont., when a driver drove through an outside wall and into a fitness class at a shopping mall gym on Friday morning, according to police.
Paramedics transported five women to the hospital with serious injuries and two others with minor injuries, as reported by London police. The driver and another individual remained in critical condition as of Friday afternoon, the police chief mentioned during a press conference.
“We have evidence and we have information that the vehicle accelerated into the building,” police Chief Thai Truong stated.
The incident took place around 7:40 a. m. at Sherwood Forest Mall when a vehicle crashed through a brick wall into the Good Life Fitness gym. The driver hit an area of the gym where people were participating in a class, trapping one person beneath the vehicle, according to police.
Police did not immediately clarify if there were any passengers in the car. Truong indicated that he expected charges to be filed against the driver later on Friday but did not specify what those charges would be.
When asked by a reporter at the scene, Truong confirmed there was no evidence suggesting terrorism was involved.
A representative from Good Life expressed gratitude to first responders and mentioned that they were working closely with law enforcement.
“Our first priority is the well-being of our members and associates, and our thoughts are with everyone affected,” senior vice-president Tracy Matthews said in a statement.
The gap in the exterior wall was being supported by rescue struts, deputy fire Chief Gary Bridge noted. A structural engineer was present on-site to ensure stability, he added.
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