shooting yorkdale

Chaos as crowds seen running after fireworks go off at busy Toronto mall

Shoppers at Yorkdale Mall had a frightening experience this past weekend after crowds of people mistook the sound of firecrackers for gunshots. 

Several clips from multiple angles within the mall were uploaded on social media over the weekend, showing dozens of shoppers running through the shopping centre just before closing. 

Toronto police confirmed to blogTO that officers attended the scene following reports of sounds of gunshots at approximately 8:41 p.m. 

According to police, on-scene officers determined that there was no firearm involved, and noted that "possibly fireworks" were involved instead. 

A Yorkdale spokesperson told blogTO that the commotion was the result of a firecracker that was set off outside the North entrance of the mall on Saturday evening. 

"Yorkdale security used surveillance footage to confirm that the noise was intentionally caused by a firecracker," the spokesperson said. 

Police were immediately notified, and are using the footage provided to identify the involved parties. 

Just last week, shoppers at Yorkdale experienced another scare when an explosion was heard outside the mall around 7:30 p.m. 

The incident occurred in a parking lot outside of the shopping centre on Wednesday, and involved a mechanical issue with a vehicle. 

Lead photo by

Supplied to blogTO


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

People complain as mysterious rock balancing sculptures appear in Toronto river

Dive-bombing season has officially begun for red-winged blackbirds in Toronto

Multi-day heat warning issued for Toronto as blazing temperatures arrive

Cigarettes sold in Canada are about to look extremely different

New happiness at work index shows people in Ontario are not enjoying their jobs

Summer 2023 forecast for Ontario promises wild temperature swings

It's going to feel like 35 C in Toronto this week

Fireworks set off on TTC bus in shocking video