At least nine dead after car drives into crowd at Lapu Lapu festival in Canada's Vancouver

A car crashed into the Lapu Lapu festival in Canada, killing at least nine at the event celebrating Filipino culture, 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," said Vancouver Police in a post on X.



"I am devastated to hear about the horrific events at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver earlier this evening. 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. We are monitoring the situation closely, and thankful to our first responders for their swift action," said Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.


"Horrific tragedy at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Festival: a driver of an SUV has driven into crowds, leaving multiple dead. Our city is in shock. Thinking of the victims, their families, and everyone affected. Follow official sources for critical updates," said Rebecca Bligh, Vancouver City Councillor.

The incident happened shortly after 8 p.m. (0300 GMT) near East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street, where the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party was taking place.

One witness told CTV News he saw a black vehicle driving erratically in the area of the festival just before the crowd was struck. The Vancouver Sun said thousands of people had been in the area.

Vancouver's Mayor Ken Sim said, "I am shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific incident at today's Lapu Lapu Day event."