Canada: Explosion at Toronto Tim Hortons, One Person Dead
Found: Sun Apr 02 17:16:45 2006 PDT
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Explosion at Tim Hortons - one person dead
Frank Tridico -- SooNews.ca -- Sunday, April 2, 2006, 7:51PM
Toronto investigating officers refuse to comment on whether a Sunday explosion in a Tim Hortons bathroom was in fact a bomb. The blast occurred just after 1:00pm near the intersections of Yonge and Bloor Streets, one of the busiest downtown areas.
A fire department spokesperson stated that the lone victim had burns to his body, but a fire did not ensue in the building after the blast. Witnesses described complete chaos and pandemonium with persons immediately fleeing the scene.
Large Area Cordoned Off
Law enforcement cordoned off approximately one city block and evacuated the area as a precaution. The moves, particularly the expansive coverage of area to collect potential evidence, raises questions over whether investigators suspect it may have been premeditated, and/or if there may have been further locations within the radius that could be at risk of a similar explosion.
Officers held the aforementioned pattern until other support and special investigation units arrived to expand and enhance the investigation. Early news reports said a man was seen going into the restroom with explosives strapped to his chest. Police would not confirm the reports.
The police bomb squad worked at the scene for much of the afternoon. They used a remote controlled bomb disposal robot to investigate an object found nearby. Yonge Street was shut down in both directions between Yorkville and Bloor, reportedly tying up traffic around one of the City's busiest intersections.
There is no word yet on what caused the blast. Once police declare the scene to be safe the fire marshal's office will begin an investigation.
Lockdown at another Tim Hortons
Later Sunday, another Tim Hortons outlet in Toronto was locked down after a suspicious package was found inside the restaurant, just a few subway stations north of where the explosion occurred. An emergency task force unit had been dispatched to the second location and the area had been evacuated.
While Toronto has seen an upsurge in gun related crime, and a rise in both drug trafficking and gang expansion, the current developments raise particular alarm. At issue is whether the explosion was a premeditated act, and what role if any the victim had to the explosion itself.
Information by law enforcement and other investigating authorities has been limited, much more so than in its early stages, and prompting greater concern over what has developed. SooNews.ca will continue bringing you developments as they unfold
