Four pedestrians were injured following a hit-and-run incident on Nelson Mandela Walk at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) just before 2 p.m. on April 15, 2025. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene at 1:55 p.m. near the intersection of Yonge Street and Gerrard Street East, where they found four individuals with reported injuries.
According to Toronto Paramedic Services, two of the injured were transported to a local hospital; one sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries, while the other’s condition remains unclear. The other two individuals, who suffered minor injuries, were assessed on-site and declined further medical attention.
Toronto Police Operations reported via X that the vehicle responsible for the incident fled the scene, last seen heading eastbound on Gould Street towards Church Street. The vehicle has been identified as a dark green sedan with a cracked windshield and a license plate number of DEDZ 565.
Duty Insp. Todd Jocko of the Toronto Police stated that the collision may have been an intentional act, suggesting the driver was targeting a specific individual on the walkway. “It appears to be an isolated incident,” Jocko remarked during a press conference at the scene. He further indicated that it seems the driver and the intended target were acquainted, although details about their relationship remain unconfirmed.
Witness accounts provide chilling insights into the incident. A TMU employee, Jama Bin-Edward, described hearing screams and seeing a car racing down the walkway. “I was like, 'Oh my God, oh my God,'” she recounted, noting that she observed people being placed on stretchers after emergency responders arrived. “Anyone could have been walking through the campus at that time. It could have been just anyone taking a walk, which is so crazy.”
Students on campus expressed shock and concern over the incident. Isaac Meng, an international student, reported hearing the engine revving before the vehicle struck several pedestrians. “It was pretty crazy. I always think that this type of event happens in movies or documentaries, but it really happened on campus,” he said.
No students or staff members from TMU were among the injured, as confirmed by Jocko. He stated that the two individuals hospitalized were bystanders who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. The other two pedestrians involved had only minor injuries.
Following the incident, TMU issued a safety notification to students and staff, urging them to avoid the area and informing them that there was no impact on classes or exams. The university reassured its community that emergency responders were on-site and that further updates would be provided as they became available.
Local city councillor Chris Moise visited the scene to offer his support. He expressed distress over the incident, recalling the traumatic 2018 van attack in North York that resulted in multiple fatalities. “When I heard about this, it took me back to that period of time,” he said. Moise emphasized the importance of community support in the wake of such incidents.
As the investigation continues, police are actively searching for the suspect and the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run. Jocko stated that they are reviewing surveillance footage from the area and are eager to speak with any witnesses who have not yet come forward. “We understand that an incident like this raises a lot of concerns for people,” he said, assuring the public that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure safety.
In light of this incident, concerns have been raised regarding safety measures on pedestrian-only walkways. Jocko acknowledged the need to assess the circumstances that allowed a vehicle to enter such a space, stating, “Anytime something like this happens we need to look at the circumstances and prevent that.”
As the community grapples with the implications of this event, many are left wondering how such an attack could occur in a seemingly safe environment. The police have urged anyone with information regarding the incident to contact them at 416-808-5100 or to reach out to Crime Stoppers anonymously.
This developing story highlights the ongoing challenges of ensuring public safety in urban environments, particularly in areas frequented by pedestrians. The TMU community is left to process the shock of this incident while hoping for the swift apprehension of those responsible.
The Eyeopener will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available about this unsettling event.
