Two people are dead and two others are injured after being struck by a vehicle outside a B.C. mall on Tsawwassen First Nation lands Wednesday—a tragedy police suspect was caused by the driver suffering a “medical emergency.” The incident unfolded during a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation walk, though the Delta Police Department said it was unrelated to that event. “Our thoughts are with the families, loved ones, and all those affected by this tragic incident,” the department said in a news release. The collision happened in the parking lot of Tsawwassen Mills shortly before 10:30 a.m. Witness Rafael Saenz told CTV News he didn’t see the crash, but saw several people on the ground in the immediate aftermath. “I was literally 10 feet away from them,” Saenz said. “It was pretty traumatizing. I don’t know how to describe it but I’ve never seen anything like that in my life.” This is a breaking news update. The original story follows. Four people have been struck by a vehicle on Tsawwassen First Nation lands, according to the Delta Police Department. “At this point it appears to be a medical incident,” the department said in a statement on social media, describing those struck as “pedestrians.” The incident occurred during National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events hosted by the First Nation. An emergency alert from the Tsawwassen First Nation said the event had ended early because of a “civil emergency.” “An incident is currently in progress that has ended our Truth & Reconciliation event,” the alert reads. “Participants are asked to walk back the way we came and stay out of the area.” The City of Delta, B.C., shared the alert on social media and asked residents to avoid the Tsawwassen Mills area. The Tsawwassen First Nation was hosting a community walk in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Wednesday morning. The event began at 9:30 a.m. at the First Nation’s recreation centre, which is a short walk away from the Tsawwassen Mills parking lot. “In addition to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation community walk, everyone is also invited to join us afterwards for a special House Post Unveiling,” reads a post on the nation’s Facebook page from earlier this week. That event was scheduled for 10:15 a.m. at Tsawwassen Mills Entrance 3. Federal Energy Minister Tim Hodgson was among the attendees, according to a post on social media that has since been deleted. This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
