Tsawwassen First Nation ends Truth and Reconciliation event early; police say 4 people hit in 'collision'

A Tsawwassen First Nation sign in an undated photo. (Ethan Cairns/CBC)The LatestThe Tsawwassen First Nation has ended its event marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation early due to an ongoing incident, according to an alert.Police say four pedestrians were hit in a "collision," describing the events as a "medical incident."The City of Delta, B.C., says the public should avoid the Tsawwassen Mills area, south of Vancouver.UpdatesLatest firstLatest firstLatestView timelineTimelineSeptember 305 minutes agoMore than a dozen ambulances have responded to the sceneStephanie HungerfordI drove off a ferry at the Tsawwassen terminal at 10:45 a.m. PT and saw around 15-20 ambulances and another 15 or so emergency vehicles (police units, fire trucks) at the south side of the Tsawassen Mills mall. Two helicopters were also flying overhead. There was yellow police tape around the south end of the mall, as well. 

A group of around 100 Tsawwassen band members were on the east side and someone was lying on the ground.

The area police have asked the public to avoid includes the road to access the B.C. Ferries Tsawwassen terminal, one of two major points connecting the mainland to Vancouver Island.

The Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN) was hosting a community walk starting at the TFN Recreation Centre on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, according to the nation's Facebook page.

"This day is an opportunity for our community to come together to honour and remember the children," said the post.

A house post unveiling was scheduled for 10:15 a.m. PT at an entrance to the nearby Tsawwassen Mills mall.

Guests were encouraged to wear orange to support and commit to reconciliation.

Federal Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson took part in the event. His spokesperson, Charlotte Power, said the minister and his team were unhurt and unaware of what happened. 

She said they were taking part in a walk, which ended abruptly, and the incident was not near their group.

The Delta Police Department says four pedestrians have been struck in a collision on Tsawwassen First Nation land. 

A statement said officers are on scene investigating what police are calling a "medical incident." They are also asking people to avoid the area. 

People are being asked to avoid the Tsawwassen Mills area in Metro Vancouver due to what the Tsawwassen First Nation is calling a "civil emergency."

"An incident is currently in progress that has ended our Truth & Reconciliation event. Participants are asked to walk back the way we came and stay out of the area," says an alert posted just before 11 a.m. PT Wednesday.

The City of Delta posted on social media asking people in the area to follow the direction of local authorities. The provincial government has also posted an alert.

CBC News has contacted police for more information.

A public safety incident is in progress at the #Tsawwassen First Nation, #BC. The public is advised to stay clear of the area. If you are not in the area, avoid the area. Stay tuned for more information & follow the direction of local authorities. More info: https://t.co/xKsmLBldSn