Vehicle Crashes into Gym, Seven Hurt in London Mall

Seven individuals were taken to the hospital after a vehicle crashed through an exterior wall of a shopping mall in London, Ont., and entered a gym located in the north end on Friday.

Representatives from Good Life Fitness mentioned that the vehicle went into a studio meant for group fitness classes at their Sherwood Forest Mall location.

“There were some people injured due to a vehicle coming into the back wall,” said Adam Roberts, director of reputation for Good Life Fitness. “We know they’re getting the help they need and first responders were on site quickly. Right now we’re focused on taking care of everybody who was affected.”

London police Chief Thai Truong confirmed that the driver was among those injured and also taken to the hospital.

“One person who was pinned under the vehicle has since been extricated,” he told reporters during an afternoon news conference. “We are continuing to confirm the full extent of injuries to support notification to families.”

Police reported that one individual was in critical condition, one in serious condition, while five others had “fair” injuries.

Truong indicated that criminal charges against the driver are expected later today.

“I can confirm with you that we have evidence and we have information that the vehicle accelerated into the building,” he stated, adding “our investigation thus far has no evidence to suggest there is terrorism involved in what has occurred today.”

Hospital code orange activated temporarily

Immediately after the incident, a code orange was put into effect at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), according to hospital officials. There’s currently no immediate update on the condition of those admitted.

A code orange is called during situations causing multiple injuries requiring coordinated responses. LHSC officials confirmed it has since been cleared.

Emergency crews responded to the back of Sherwood Forest Mall in London, Ont., after a vehicle struck the building on Friday morning. (Josiane N’Tchoreret Mbiamany/CBC)

At the scene, first responders worked with equipment to secure and stabilize a large hole in the brick wall of the structure. Through this opening, exercise equipment and debris could be seen scattered around inside.

The vehicle remains inside the gym area and won’t be removed until experts assess structural integrity and ensure supports are set up properly.

WATCH | Residents describe scene where vehicle crashed into London mall:

Residents describe scene where vehicle crashed into London, Ont., mall

Seven people were taken to hospital after a vehicle crashed through an exterior wall of Sherwood Forest Mall and entered a gym in London, Ont., on Friday. Those who work at businesses across from where it happened said they were shocked when they saw what had occurred. Read more about this story on CBC London’s website.

‘Traffic doesn’t go that way’

Richard De Jonge, who works at Mc Hardy Vacuum directly across from where it happened, noted emergency crews were already present when he arrived for work Friday morning.

“I see the hole, but what gets me is what was on the other side of that wall when that damage was done. That’s where my heart breaks: for people who were hurt,” he shared.</pp

Dante Lindo’s family restaurant is also located across from this mall; he mentioned Friday’s crash seemed out of place.</pp

“I was super confused about how it happened because I’ve never seen anything like it before,” Lindo remarked.</pp

The two men expressed curiosity over how exactly this crash took place since there aren’t any parking spots facing that wall.

“What we don’t know is intention behind it all. All we know is traffic moves sideways; traffic does not go that way, so that’s something extremely rare,” De Jonge added.

The police request public avoidance of this area while they continue their response efforts and assured further updates will follow as information becomes available.

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