Canada: Nine dead after man drives car into Vancouver festival

"As of now, we can confirm nine people have died after a man drove through a crowd at last night’s Lapu Lapu Festival," Vanvouver Police posted on X.

"Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic incident," police said.

The incident occurred around 8 pm (local time) as members of the Filipino community gathered in large numbers to celebrate Lapu Lapu Day in the city's Sunset on Fraser neighbourhood.

The driver has been arrested, police said.

"A number of people have been killed and multiple others are injured after a driver drove into a crowd at a street festival at E. 41st Avenue and Fraser shortly after 8 p.m. tonight. The driver is in custody. We will provide more information as the investigation unfolds," Vancouver Police told the media.

The police are yet to confirm if the incident was a car attack or an accident.

Eyewitnesses told local media outlets that a black SUV drove through the street festival at high speed, hitting multiple people.

They said the driver of the car looked like a young Asian man, and appeared to be mentally challenged.

Several videos of the horrific incident have surfaced on social media, showing bodies lying on the street after the car attack, as emergency crews rushed for rescue operations.

Lapu Lapu Festival

This is a street festival that commemorates a Filipino anti-colonial leader, Datu Lapu-Lapu, from the 16th century.

Lapu-Lapu was the Philippines' first national hero, who led the victory against Spanish colonisers in the 1521 Battle of Mactan.

PM Carney Feels Devastated

Carney said he felt devastated hearing about the 'horrific' attack.

"I am devastated to hear about the horrific events at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver earlier this evening," he said.

"I offer my deepest condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured, to the Filipino Canadian community, and to everyone in Vancouver. We are all mourning with you," he said.

Carney said his government is monitoring the situation closely.