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The driver of a vehicle that struck and killed two Tsawwassen First Nation elders, and injured two other people, on Wednesday received medical attention following the crash and has been released from hospital.
At about 10:25 a.m. PT on Sept. 30, police say a vehicle struck four pedestrians outside Tsawwassen Mills mall, where a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event was taking place. Two were killed, while two others were taken to hospital.
In an update on Thursday, police say the two people taken to hospital remain in critical condition, with “serious, life-altering injuries,” according to Delta Police Department Staff Sgt. Mike Whiteley.
The identities of those killed in Wednesday’s tragedy are not being released — however, Whiteley said the deceased were Tsawwassen First Nation elders.
The two people who were injured are not members of the Tsawwassen First Nation, Whiteley added.
“This was a very tragic event,” Whiteley told reporters at a news conference on Thursday afternoon.
“It was very difficult for our first responders, but also for our community, and especially for the Tsawwassen First Nation.”
Police said Wednesday that the male driver of the vehicle may have suffered a medical emergency in the moments leading up to the crash. They did not elaborate on what that medical emergency was.
On Thursday, they said the driver received medical attention, and was released from hospital Wednesday afternoon.
“At this time, there is no information to suggest the collision was intentional,” Delta Police said in its Thursday news release.
Video from the scene of the crash on Wednesday shows a pickup truck with the logo for the company Alpine Building Maintenance printed on its side.
In a statement Thursday, the company confirmed one of its vehicles was involved in the collision.
“We are co-operating with the appropriate authorities to support their investigation. Our thoughts are with everyone affected,” it said.
No charges have been sworn as of Thursday afternoon, police said.
“If the evidence warrants us forwarding charges to Crown counsel, then we’ll be doing that,” Whiteley said.
Prime Minister Mark Carney and leaders on the B.C. election campaign trail — David Eby, Emily Lowan and Lorne Doerkson — expressed their condolences to the families and the First Nation after the crash on Wednesday.
The Indian Residential School Survivors Society said in a post on social media that the loss of the two “beloved” elders is devastating, while the Huu-ay-aht First Nations on Vancouver Island said it feels the tragedy deeply as an elder who died was a grandparent of one of its citizens.
In a statement issued Thursday, the Tsawwassen First Nation requested privacy as it grieved the loss of the two elders, adding that its offices would be closed on Oct. 1 and 2.
“Two beloved [elders] from our community lost their lives. Our hearts are with their families, loved ones, and all those affected by this devastating loss. We are also holding close in our thoughts those who were injured and everyone who witnessed this tragedy,” the statement reads.
“We recognize the profound impact this tragedy has had on our community as a whole. During this incredibly difficult time, we are grateful for the care, compassion, and support that has been extended to Tsawwassen First Nation.”
