A number of people have been killed and multiple others have been injured after a driver drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver on Saturday night.
Sources tell Global News that at least eight people are dead, including a child, and at least six others are injured.
Vancouver Police have yet to confirm the numbers, but will hold a public update at midnight local time.
Witnesses describe a black Audi SUV driving through the crowd around 8 p.m.
One witness told Global News that he saw multiple people being hit.
Vancouver police have not released any details about what happened but they did confirm that a driver drove into the crowd at East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street just after 8 p.m. PT.
Police said the driver is in custody.
One festival-goer told Global News that they saw and heard a black car ramming through the vendors with people yelling, screaming and crying to get out of the way.
Another attendee said it was so scary to see and hear what happened.
In a statement, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim said he is shocked and saddened by the “horrific incident” at the Lapu Lapu Day event.
“We will work to provide more information as soon as we can, but at this time Vancouver police have confirmed that there are a number of fatalities and multiple injuries,” Sim said.
“Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver’s Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time.”
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No further details are confirmed at this time but more details are expected soon.
Liberal leader Mark Carney said he was devastated to learn of the events.
“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.”
In a statement, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, who was at the festival earlier in the evening said he was horrified to learn of the incident.
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre also expressed his shock at what happened.
B.C.’s Premier David Eby also took to social media to express his shock at what happened.
“Police are investigating & a suspect is in custody,” Eby said.
“We are in contact with the City of Vancouver and will provide any support needed. My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones.
Lapu Lapu Day was officially declared in B.C. on April 27, 2023.
It is a festival to mark the enduring impact on Filipino values, notably the spirit of bayanihan – the collective community effort – on the Vancouver community.
It serves as a powerful reminder that the lessons of history can bridge gaps, inspire unity, and strengthen the bonds of communities, celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures that make up the beautiful mosaic of British Columbia and the Philippines alike.
Global News’ anchor Jason Pires was an emcee of the event earlier on Saturday and he said Eby and MLAs attended the festival in the morning.
He said a performance from a member of the band the Black Eyed Peas had just ended when the deadly incident took place.
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