Seven individuals were hurt in London, Ont., when a driver plowed through an exterior wall and crashed 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, while two others suffered minor injuries. The driver and one other individual remained in critical condition as of Friday afternoon, the police chief shared 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 occurred around 7:40 a. m. at Sherwood Forest Mall when a vehicle broke through a brick wall and entered 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.
The police did not immediately clarify whether there were any passengers in the car. Truong mentioned he expected charges against the driver later on Friday but didn’t specify what those would be.
When asked by a reporter at the scene, Truong confirmed there was no indication of terrorism being involved.
A spokesperson for Good Life expressed gratitude toward first responders and mentioned that they are cooperating with authorities.
“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 hole in the exterior wall was supported by rescue struts, deputy fire Chief Gary Bridge noted. A structural engineer was present to ensure stability at the site, he added.
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