A tragic incident unfolded on Saturday evening in Vancouver, Canada, when a vehicle ploughed into a crowd attending the Lapu-Lapu Festival.
Police confirmed that at least nine people were killed and several others injured during the Filipino community event.
The incident occurred shortly after 8 p.m. local time near East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street during the Lapu-Lapu Day Block Party, which celebrates a national hero from the Philippines.
Vancouver police arrested a 30-year-old local man at the scene, noting that he was already "known" to authorities. Witnesses said festival-goers pursued the driver and detained him against a fence until police arrived.
Police stated on social media that the attack was not believed to be an act of terrorism. One eyewitness reported seeing a black SUV driving erratically before ploughing into the crowd, with others describing the immediate aftermath as "bodies everywhere."
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his sorrow over the tragedy, announcing a delay to Sunday’s election campaign activities in response.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim and British Columbia Premier David Eby also issued statements of solidarity with the victims.
The government of British Columbia officially recognised April 27 as Lapu-Lapu Day in 2023, honouring the Filipino-Canadian community’s contributions. Thousands were reportedly attending the festival at the time of the crash.
Jagmeet Singh, leader of Canada's New Democratic Party, was present earlier at the event but left shortly before the incident occurred.
Speaking to media, Singh called the event "horrific" and said he was deeply shaken by the thought of the many children he had seen celebrating minutes earlier.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, as the Vancouver community mourns the devastating loss.
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