Multiple Killed and Injured After Car Drives Into Crowd at Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, Canada

A man has been taken into custody after a black SUV drove into a crowd at a street festival in Vancouver

Multiple fatalities and injuries have been reported after a car ploughed into a crowd at a street festival in Vancouver. A 30-year-old suspect from Vancouver, known to authorities, was arrested shortly after the incident, which occurred around 8 p.m. local time. Vancouver police confirmed they are investigating a "mass casualty incident," but did not immediately release the exact number of casualties.

Local reports indicate that at least eight people, including a child, have been killed, with another six critically injured. Acting Police Chief Steve Rai stated that it would be "unfair" to release specific victim numbers at this stage. The vehicle involved, a black Audi with significant front-end damage, was seen outside a food truck following the collision.

Multiple people have been killed after a car ploughed into a crowd at a festival in Vancouver

The crash happened during celebrations for Lapu Lapu Day, a festival honoring a Filipino anti-colonial leader from the 16th century. Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim expressed condolences to those affected and to Vancouver’s Filipino community. The event included a parade, a film screening, traditional dancing, and a concert featuring members of the Black Eyed Peas.

Witnesses reported that the vehicle was seen driving erratically before striking the crowd. Yoseb Vardeh, a food truck vendor at the festival, described hearing an engine revving before witnessing "bodies everywhere" along the road. He stated the driver "went through the whole block, straight down the middle," leaving devastation in his wake.

The scene after a car ploughed into festival-goers in Vancouver

Footage from the scene captured the horror as victims and debris were scattered across the street, with bystanders rushing to aid the injured. Emergency responders quickly arrived to assist the wounded and secure the area.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed devastation over the incident, while Vancouver police confirmed that the event is not being treated as an act of terrorism. British Columbia Premier David Eby said he was "shocked" and "heartbroken" by the loss of life and injuries.

Jagmeet Singh, leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party, who had attended the festival before the attack, stated he was "horrified" by the violence and expressed solidarity with the victims and the Filipino community. Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre also offered condolences, condemning the senseless act.

The police investigation remains ongoing, with authorities urging witnesses and anyone with information to come forward. The tragedy recalls a 2022 incident in Winnipeg, where a driver similarly ploughed into a group of Freedom Convoy protesters, injuring four people.