Eleven people are dead after a car ploughed into a crowded street festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Saturday evening.
An unknown number of people were also injured in the mass casualty incident at an event organized by the local Filipino community.
While Canadian authorities say they are “confident” that it was “not an act of terrorism,” Prime Minister Mark Carney said they are “monitoring the situation closely.”
Police have called the incident the “darkest day in Vancouver’s history” and said it would be a “watershed moment” for operational changes.
What happened?
According to Vancouver Police, at approximately 8 p.m. on Saturday evening local time, a car was driven into the crowd celebrating the annual Lapu Lapu festival, a Filipino community event celebrating Lapu Lapu Day.
At least nine people were killed and “multiple others” were injured as the driver struck pedestrians.
The incident occurred at E 41st Avenue and Fraser Street after the final live performance of the day on the grounds of a local high school by Apl.de.ap, a Filipino American rapper and a founding member of the Black Eyed Peas.
An eyewitness, Yoseb Vardeh, who is a co-owner of the Bao Buns food truck, told BBC World Service that the driver appeared to be going for “maximum damage” as he went “completely straight, right through the crowd” at about 100kph (62mph).
He said the car struck several of his customers, adding that the driver tried to flee but was caught by people nearby.
“I just saw bodies underneath people’s food trucks, and husbands crying out for their wife, or their kids. It was just horrible,” he said.
Some unverified videos and photos show injured people lying on the street amid chaos and a heavy police presence. A black SUV with a crumpled front section could be seen in one of the still photos.
Who was the driver?
Police have taken a 30-year-old male suspect into custody. Only one vehicle and one suspect were involved. He was initially detained by people at the scene.
Video circulating on social media shows a young man in a black hoodie with his back against a chain-link fence, alongside a security guard and surrounded by bystanders screaming and swearing at him.
“I’m sorry,” the man said in the footage, holding his hand to his head.
Steve Rai, interim police chief, declined to comment on the video but said the person in custody was a “lone male” who was “known to police in certain circumstances” and had a history of interactions with professionals related to mental health.
“I am unable to publicly identify the person who is in custody because charges have not yet been laid.
“Homicide investigators are currently presenting evidence to Crown Counsel, which is the independent authority in British Columbia to lay criminal charges.
“We will provide additional information once the charge approval process is complete.”
Earlier, the police did not clarify whether the suspect had a criminal record.
“It would be inappropriate for me to get into those kind of details at this point,” Rai said, adding it would be “unfair” to make comments on whether the suspect was on bail.
Authorities have not yet said whether the incident was deliberate. Vancouver police wrote on X late on Saturday: “At this time, we are confident that this incident was not an act of terrorism.”
What do we know about the victims?
At a press conference on Sunday, officials confirmed that the number of fatalities had risen to 11, with dozens injured.
Said Rai: “We believe dozens more are injured more seriously, and the number of dead could rise in a matter of days or weeks.”
As yet, no details of those killed or injured have been released. It is expected that many will be from the Filipino Canadian community.
Rai said the victims are both male and female and are young people. He added that he can’t give further details on ages but calls it a “tragedy all around for many families.”
This year’s festivities were part of the broader recognition of 27 April as Lapu Lapu Day in British Columbia, officially declared in 2023 to acknowledge the significance of Filipino Canadians in the province.
The day celebrates Datu Lapu-Lapu, an Indigenous Visayan Chieftain from Mactan, Philippines.
According to the street party’s website, Lapu-Lapu is considered the first national hero of the Philippines.
He is described as an “enduring symbol of unwavering resistance and indomitable spirit during the Age of Exploration,” and “the first to rise against the tide of Spanish colonisation.”
What has been the reaction from Canadian officials
The incident comes less than 48 hours before Canada’s federal elections. At the moment, there is no suggestion of a connection between the incident and the election.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was monitoring the situation closely.
“I am devastated to hear about the horrific events at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver earlier this evening,” he wrote. “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.”
Carney has cancelled the final election day rallies in Calgary, Richmond and British Columbia.
Pierre Poilievre, leader of Canada’s Conservative Party, called the incident a “senseless attack,” while the leader of the British Columbia New Democratic Party, David Eby, said he was “shocked and heartbroken.”
New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh, who was at the Lapu Lapu event in Vancouver before the incident took place, said he was “horrified to learn” that “innocent people” have been killed and injured.
“As we wait to learn more, our thoughts are with the victims and their families – and Vancouver’s Filipino community, who were coming together today to celebrate resilience.”
Governor General Mary Simon and her husband extended their “deepest condolences” to the families and loved ones of the victims of the “tragic attack” that occurred at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver.
“A joyous celebration of Filipino culture, community and heritage ended in loss of life and serious injuries as a result of a horrific act.
“I also want to express my gratitude to all the first responders who rushed to the scene of the incident; your courage, dedication, and swift action in the face of such devastation are deeply appreciated.”
David Eby, the premier of British Columbia, the province where Vancouver is located, said he was shocked and heartbroken. “We are in contact with the City of Vancouver and will provide any support needed,” he added.
Vancouver mayor Ken Sim said in a statement on X that he was “shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific incident at today’s Lapu Lapu Day event.”
“Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver’s Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time.”
Former prime minister Justin Trudeau has shared his condolences: “My heart goes out to the loved ones of all the victims of the tragic attack at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver.
“I join all Canadians in standing with the Filipino community at this difficult time.”
What has been the international reaction?
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr of the Philippines, better known as Bongbong Marcos, said he was “shattered to hear about the terrible incident” in Vancouver.
Mr Marcos said the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver was working with Canadian authorities to ensure that the incident would be thoroughly investigated.
In the United Kingdom, King Charles III has said he was “profoundly saddened” to learn of the incident in Vancouver, extending his “deepest possible sympathy”.
Charles, who is the King of Canada, said: “Both my wife and I were profoundly saddened to learn of the dreadful attack and utterly tragic loss of life in Vancouver, which took place as the Filipino community came together to mark the celebration of one of their most special festivals.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to all those whose lives have been shattered by such a desperate tragedy and we send our deepest possible sympathy at a most agonizing time for so many in Canada.”
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy also said he is “deeply saddened” by the incident in Vancouver.
“I am shocked and deeply saddened by the terrible events at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu festival last night,” Mr Lammy wrote on X.
“Our thoughts are with all of those affected, their families and loved ones.”
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his condolences, saying on X: “Following the tragedy in Vancouver, I extend our solidarity to Canadians and the Filipino community. Our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones.”
