ALBAWABA - Two people were killed and nine others injured in a run-over accident in Canada.
A pick-up truck hit a number of pedestrians on a sidewalk in Amqui, Quebec Monday, killing two people and injuring nine others.
The deaths are two men, one in his 60s, and the other in his 70s.
Children were among the injured, but their condition has not been disclosed. News reports suggested that some of them are in critical condition.
#BREAKING: Two men aged 70 and 60 confirmed dead following vehicle-ramming incident in Amqui, Canada; at least six patients currently being airlifted to Quebec pic.twitter.com/ZrcAuveN9j
— I.E.N. (@BreakingIEN) March 13, 2023
The motive remained unknown. International media outlets said that the driver was arrested and that he was being questioned.
But there are conflicting reports about the driver's arrest mechanism. While some said that he was arrested at the scene of the accident after he tried to escape, others said that he turned himself in.
A pickup truck that veered into pedestrians in the eastern Quebec town of Amqui has killed two men and wounded several others - Canadian police https://t.co/McAcPOYFYL
— TRT World (@trtworld) March 14, 2023
No information was released about the origin of the driver or whether he espoused specific political, or religious views, except that he was a man in his 30s.
An orange symbol was announced at Amqui Hospital, where the injured people were taken, indicating a state of disaster or a state of large number of casualties.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his deep regret and sorrow over the painful incident.
He tweeted in French, which was translated into English by Albawaba: "My heart goes out to the citizens of Amqui, Quebec. I am thinking of all those affected as we await more information on today's tragic events."
Je suis de tout cœur avec les citoyens d’Amqui, au Québec. Je pense à toutes les personnes touchées alors qu’on attend plus d’information sur les événements tragiques d’aujourd’hui. Aux premiers intervenants : merci pour votre rapidité, votre courage et votre professionnalisme.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) March 13, 2023
Afterwards, Trudeau posted another similar tweet in English.
My heart is with the people of Amqui, Quebec today. As we learn more about the tragic events that have taken place, I’m keeping everyone affected in my thoughts. And to the first responders: Thank you for acting quickly, courageously, and professionally.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) March 13, 2023
