Canadian authorities have launched what police described as a "complex" investigation after a mass shooting during the opening night of Toronto's annual TD Salsa on St. Clair festival left two men dead and at least four others seriously injured, sending thousands of festivalgoers fleeing in panic.

The shooting erupted shortly after 8 p.m. local time on Saturday near the intersection of St. Clair Avenue West and Arlington Avenue, where an estimated 13,000 people had gathered to celebrate one of Canada's largest Latino cultural festivals.

According to Toronto Police Deputy Chief Frank Barredo, the violence stemmed from an exchange of gunfire between individuals believed to have been targeting one another, rather than a random attack on the public.

Witnesses described scenes of chaos as gunshots rang out through the crowded festival grounds, with families, children, and elderly attendees scrambling for safety. Some said people were knocked to the ground and trampled as panic spread through the crowd.

Emergency responders, including dozens of police officers, firefighters, and paramedics, rushed to the scene within minutes. One victim was pronounced dead at the scene, while a second later succumbed to injuries in hospital. Four additional victims remain hospitalized with serious gunshot wounds, though officials said they are receiving specialized medical care.

Toronto police initially warned of a possible "active shooter" on social media but later clarified that the incident did not fit the definition of an active shooter event.

"In the first few moments, information was developing rapidly, and we issued the warning out of an abundance of caution," Barredo told reporters during a late-night press conference. "The investigation has since determined that this was an exchange of gunfire between individuals."

Investigators have recovered two firearms believed to have been used in the shooting and established three separate crime scenes as forensic teams continue collecting evidence. Authorities are reviewing extensive surveillance footage from nearby businesses, city cameras, and videos recorded by festival attendees.

No arrests had been made as of Sunday morning, and police have appealed to witnesses and anyone with cellphone footage to come forward.

"This is a highly complex investigation because of the number of people present, the volume of evidence, and the need to reconstruct exactly what occurred," Barredo said.

In response to the shooting, police have increased patrols across the surrounding neighborhoods and maintained a visible security presence near the festival area while investigators continue their work. Authorities said there is currently no indication of an ongoing threat to the public, though they urged residents to remain vigilant and report any information that could assist the investigation.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow condemned the violence, describing the attack as a shocking act that disrupted an event intended to celebrate the city's cultural diversity.

"I am deeply disturbed and angered by this reckless act of violence committed in the middle of a festival attended by families, children, and seniors," Chow said in a statement, expressing condolences to the victims and their loved ones.

Festival organizers also expressed sorrow over the tragedy and said they are cooperating fully with law enforcement. Counseling services have been made available for witnesses, volunteers, and attendees affected by the incident.

The TD Salsa on St. Clair festival, held annually along St. Clair Avenue West between Christie Street and Winona Drive, is recognized as Canada's largest Latino-themed cultural celebration, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year with music, dance, food, and cultural performances.

Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing, with homicide detectives and forensic specialists working to identify all those involved and determine the motive behind the deadly exchange of gunfire. (ILKHA)