Vancouver festival horror as multiple dead after car ploughs into crowd

Several people were killed and more injured when a car ploughed into a crowd at a street party attended by dozens of revellers, as police arrested the driver of the vehicle.

The horror unfolded at Vancouver's Lapu Lapu Day Block Party on Saturday evening, near East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street. Emergency services rushed to the scene in Canada shortly after the crash and the driver was arrested , although the motive behind the attack is currently unknown. Video shared on social media showed victims and debris strewn across a long stretch of road, with at least seven people lying immobile on the ground.

Vancouver Police said in a statement: "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 pm tonight.

"The driver is in custody. We will provide more information as the investigation unfolds."

The Lapu Lapu Day Block Party is a yearly Filipino cultural event held in Vancouver's Sunset on Fraser neighbourhood. This year's festivities included food, music, and cultural performances.

One person who had earlier attended the festivities said: "Took some time off work to reconnect with the community — and what a day it’s been. Started the morning living out my passion for the environment at Surrey’s Planet Party, the biggest celebration of its kind.

"But tonight ended heavy. Just minutes ago, tragedy struck at the Lapu-Lapu Festival where I stood just hours earlier — a black SUV drove into the crowd lining up at the food trucks, leaving people hurt and lives lost. In the middle of all the joy, we are reminded how fragile life is.

"As I now sit quietly over wine with friends downtown, where music plays and pianos duel, my heart is with the victims, their families, and the entire community."

Ken Sim, Vancouver mayor, said: "I am shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific incident at today’s Lapu Lapu Day event. We will work to provide more information as soon as we can, but at this time police have confirmed there are a number of fatalities and multiple injuries.

"Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver’s Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time."

The community is reeling from the horrific incident. Further details have not been released by authorities as the investigation is ongoing. A video making rounds on X shows what seems to be over a dozen police cars lining the street with red and blue lights flashing non-stop.

NHL side the Vancouver Canucks said on social media: "We are heartbroken by the tragic events that occurred tonight at the Lapu Lapu Day celebration. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families and everyone impacted, including Vancouver's Filipino community.

"We extend our deepest condolences and support during this unimaginably difficult time."

One person added of the horror: "Completely heartbroken, can’t believe someone would do that. May they rest in peace and the dude who did it deserves the chair."