Several dead, multiple injured after car drives into crowd at Vancouver festival

Police in Vancouver are investigating a “mass casualty incident” after a car was driven into a crowd at a popular street festival on Saturday evening, leaving several people dead and many others injured.

Authorities said the incident occurred at approximately 20:14 local time during the annual Lapu Lapu festival, a celebration of Filipino culture held at East 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street in the south of the city.

A 30-year-old male suspect is in custody. Police said they are “confident that this incident was not an act of terrorism,” but have not yet confirmed the exact number of fatalities. Interim Police Chief Steve Rai said in a news conference that the investigation remains ongoing and further updates would be provided on Sunday morning.

Unverified videos shared on social media showed police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks crowding the scene, with several injured individuals receiving emergency care on the ground.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his sorrow in a statement on X.

“I am devastated to hear about the horrific events at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver,” 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 also praised emergency responders for their “swift action.”

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim also offered condolences, stating he was “shocked and deeply saddened” by the tragedy and that his “thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver’s Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time.”