Flowers, teddy bears, and messages of condolence have been placed at the spot where a vehicle hit a group of pedestrians in west London, killing an 8-year-old girl and injuring nine others.
The roadside tribute to the victims of Tuesday's collision on Riverside Drive west of Wonderland Road grew throughout the day on Wednesday.
Premier Doug Ford, Mayor Ed Holder and Deputy Mayor Josh Morgan were among mourners who visited the spot to lay flowers.
"My heart just breaks for the family of the little girl who lost her life in this terrible crash," Ford said in a statement. "The rest of Ontario is grieving with you during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are also with those who were injured, as I wish for their full recovery."
Similar messages of condolence and support were posted online by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as well as other provincial and municipal politicians.
The ten pedestrians, all females between the ages of six and 40, were walking along Riverside around 6:45 p.m. Tuesday when a vehicle, driven by a 76-year-old woman jumped the curb and hit them. Police have said the same vehicle crashed into another vehicle stopped at a red light, a light pole and a tree moments before hitting the pedestrians.
The driver remained at the scene. She was not injured or taken to hospital. No charges have been laid.
London police previously stated that while the investigation is ongoing, there is nothing to indicate the crash was an intentional act.
As of Wednesday afternoon, six of the victims remained in hospital - one woman and four girls in fair condition and another girl in good condition. A teenager and two other children, who were originally taken to hospital, had been treated and released.
The Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) confirmed the 8-year-old girl who died and three of the girls who were hurt are among its students. The board said it would not be releasing the names of the students and the schools they attend out of respect for the families' privacy.
“On behalf of Thames Valley, I want to express my heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and community members who have been affected by this sad event,” said TVDSB Education Director Mark Fisher. “We are also grateful for the actions of our first responders and hospital staff.”
The school board has sent members of its traumatic events response team to the affected schools and plans on emailing parents digital resources on how to help children cope with the tragedy.
The London District Catholic School Board will be extending similar resources to its school community as one of the children hurt attended Notre Dame Catholic elementary school.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with all schools and families impacted by this tragic event. We will continue to support our community and pray for the recovery of those affected," the board said in a statement.
A GoFundMe page has been launched for a mother and daughter who were both hurt in the collision. The online fundraiser, launched by a friend of the family, described the mother, Laurie, as being the "nicest most kind" person you could meet and said she always puts others before herself.
By Thursday morning the GoFundMe had raised more than $11,300.
