Two dead and two injured after truck strikes pedestrians outside British Columbia mall

Collision at Tsawwassen Mills

The collision occurred at approximately 10:25 a.m. Pacific time on Wednesday in the parking lot of the Tsawwassen Mills shopping centre in Delta, British Columbia. A driver lost control of a pickup truck, striking four pedestrians on exterior grounds near the commercial complex. Two people died from their injuries, while emergency responders treated two other individuals at the scene before transporting them to a local hospital. Video footage from the site showed the vehicle resting against the exterior wall of the mall, surrounded by police tape, medical helicopters, and emergency vehicles. More than a dozen ambulances responded to the scene, according to reports from CBC News.

Police response and investigation

The Delta Police Department classified the incident as an accident, noting preliminary findings that indicate the driver may have experienced a sudden medical emergency prior to the impact. Authorities confirmed that the driver's condition was not immediately known and stated that the incident posed no ongoing risk to public safety. The collision took place south of Vancouver on lands adjacent to the Tsawwassen First Nation, close to the Canada-United States border. Officials advised members of the public to avoid the immediate vicinity while collision analysts conducted investigations across the parking lot.

The Delta Police Department released an official statement regarding the casualties and the ongoing inquiry.

Our thoughts are with the families, loved ones, and all those affected by this tragic incident.

Impact on First Nation community

The incident occurred as hundreds of participants gathered nearby for events marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Dylan Kruger, a Delta City Council member who attended the observance, stated that the two deceased victims were elders of the Tsawwassen First Nation. According to official tribal records, the Tsawwassen First Nation comprises 491 members, with approximately half residing on tribal lands and others living in surrounding areas and Bellingham, Washington. The First Nation had scheduled ceremonies running from 09:30 to 13:00 local time, including a community walk followed by the unveiling of a memorial house post.

Dylan Kruger commented on the severity of the loss for the local community.

So obviously, that's going to be very devastating for that small and tightknit community.

Official statements and memorial context

British Columbia Premier David Eby released a statement offering condolences to the affected families and the broader Indigenous community following the crash. Canada's Energy Minister Tim Hodgson also attended the morning walk on the First Nation's lands before the collision occurred. The Tsawwassen First Nation issued a statement expressing deep sorrow and requesting privacy as emergency response operations continued. Canada established the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as an official federal holiday in 2021, coinciding with Orange Shirt Day to commemorate survivors and children who died in the country's residential school system.

British Columbia Premier David Eby shared his reaction to the event on social media.

On a day already set aside for solemn reflection, a tragedy during the Tsawwassen First Nation Truth and Reconciliation event has shocked and saddened us all.