Girl, 8, dead after driver strikes group of pedestrians in London, Ont.

Police say an eight-year-old girl has died after a vehicle hit 10 pedestrians and at least one other vehicle in London, Ont., Tuesday night.

The London Police Service said emergency crews responded to reports of a serious collision at 6:45 p.m. involving multiple vehicles and pedestrians on Riverside Drive west of Wonderland Road.

In an update on Wednesday, police said 10 female pedestrians between the ages of six and 40 were injured.

The eight-year-old suffered serious injuries and has since died in hospital.

Police said one adult and four children remain in hospital in “fair condition,” and another child is in “good condition.”

Two other children and one teen were treated for minor injuries and have since been released from hospital.

Police said a group of pedestrians were walking together east on the north side of Riverside when they were struck by a westbound vehicle, which was driven by a 78-year-old woman.

According to police, the driver involved then struck another vehicle that was stopped at a red light. The driver then continued through the red light and mounted the curb, hit a light standard and a tree before striking the pedestrians. The driver was not among those taken to hospital.

Const. Sandasha Bough said no arrests have been made and no charges are laid at this time.

Investigators have said there was nothing to immediately indicate that it was an intentional act.

“We are sending our condolences to absolutely everybody who was involved in last night’s incident. Family members, friends, first responders … it’s a tragic incident,” Bough said.

It was initially reported that two vehicles were struck, but police have only been able to confirm one at this time. She urged anyone whose vehicle was hit, or who witnessed the crash, to come forward.

Police also said everyone involved remained at the scene.

Girl Guide of Canada confirmed some of their members were among the victims of Tuesday’s incident, but would not provide any further details. The organization say they’re in touch with local volunteers to provide support for those involved as well as London police to insist in the investigation.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted out his condolences to the victim’s family Wednesday afternoon, saying the news from London “breaks his heart.

“To the family and friends of the child who passed away, know that Canadians across the country are here for you. And to those who were injured, we’re wishing you all a fast and full recovery. We’ll be keeping you in our thoughts.”

Premier Doug Ford was expected to visit the site of the crash Wednesday afternoon to pay his condolences. He also released a statement, saying his thoughts and prayers were with those who were injured and the family of the girl who died.

“My heart just breaks for the family of the little girl who lost her life in this terrible crash. The rest of Ontario is grieving with you during this difficult time.”

____

With files from Michael Ranger of CityNews