Delta police said the collision outside Tsawwassen Mills Mall involved a possible medical emergency and killed two pedestrians who were Tsawwassen First Nation elders.
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Delta police said two people died after a collision in the parking lot area of Tsawwassen Mills Mall in Delta, B.C., on Wednesday morning, and later said the two victims were elders with the Tsawwassen First Nation.
Prime Minister Mark Carney shared on social media that the two people who died were First Nations elders, adding that his thoughts were with the loved ones of those who died, those who were injured, and the broader community.
Police said preliminary information indicated the driver of the vehicle may have experienced a medical emergency before striking four pedestrians. They said two people died from their injuries and others were treated at the scene.
Delta police also said two people were taken to hospital, and the driver was treated at the scene before being transported.
Police said the incident was not related to the Truth and Reconciliation Walk taking place on Tsawwassen First Nation lands at the time, which they said was forced to cancel and prompted an alert asking people to avoid the area.
The Tsawwassen First Nation said it was “deeply saddened” by an incident that occurred during the day’s Truth and Reconciliation Walk and, out of respect for its families and ongoing response efforts, would not provide additional details at that time, saying more information would be shared when appropriate.
A statement from Alpine Building Maintenance said the company was aware of an incident that took place September 30 at Tsawwassen Mills Mall in Delta, and that it is cooperating with authorities while the investigation remains ongoing.
The collision also occurred as politicians in British Columbia’s election campaign marked the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, including remarks from B.C. NDP leader David Eby and statements from the Conservative and Green parties.
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