MULTIPLE people have been killed and injured after a car ploughed into a crowd at a street festival in Vancouver.
The driver was arrested shortly after the black Audi hit revellers at 8pm local time, cops said.
Multiple people have been killed after a car ploughed into a crowd at a festival in VancouverUKNIP
A man has been taken into custody after a black SUV drove into a crowd at a street festival in VancouverUKNIP
RexVancouver cops examining a black car believed to be involved in the incident[/caption]
A number of people have been killed and multiple others are injured, police said.
The exact number of dead or injured currently remains unknown, but local media reports suggest at least eight people have been killed, including a child, with another six fighting for their lives.
A black Audi with a mangled bonnet was seen in the street outside a food truck.
It happened as members of the Filipino community had gathered to celebrate Lapu Lapu Day, Vancouver mayor Ken Sim said.
The festival commemorates a Filipino anti-colonial leader from the 16th century.
Saturday’s event featured a parade, a film screening, dancing and a concert – with two members of the Black Eyed Peas featured on the lineup.
Sim said: “Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver’s Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time.”
One witness told CTV News he saw a black vehicle driving erratically in the area of the festival just before the crowd was struck.
Thousands of revellers had been in the area when the car ploughed into crowds.
Another eyewitness whose food truck was the event, Yoseb Vardeh, recalled to Postmedia: “I didn’t get to see the driver, all I heard was an engine rev.
“I got outside my food truck, I looked down the road and there’s just bodies everywhere.
“He went through the whole block, he went straight down the middle.”
Horror footage showed victims and debris strewn across the road – with at least seven people lying on the ground.
Other clips appear to show fellow festival-goers trying to help those on the floor.
Emergency services are working at the scene following the harrowing incident.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on X: “I am devastated to hear about the horrific events at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver earlier this evening.”
Vancouver Police’s statement 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.
@MARCMARAVILLASThe scene after a car ploughed into festival-goers in Vancouver[/caption]
ReutersAn ambulance is parked at the site[/caption]
ReutersPolice officers work at the scene[/caption]
“We will provide more information as the investigation unfolds.”
The premier of British Columbia David Eby said on X he is “shocked” and “heartbroken” to hear of the lives lost and injuries at the festival.
Canada‘s New Democracy Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh – who was at the event before the horror incident unfolded – has said he is “horrified to learn” of “innocent people” being killed and hurt.
He added: “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.”
The NDP had made a campaign stop at the Lapu Lapu Day block party.
Canada’s Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre described being shocked by the “horrific news”.
He said: “My thoughts are with the Filipino community and all the victims targeted by this senseless attack.”
In 2022, a driver ploughed into a crowd of Freedom Convoy protesters in Winnipeg, Canada – injuring four before fleeing the scene.
Dashcam footage of the incident shows the white Jeep striking the protesters – who were showing support for anti-Covid-mandates protests in Ottawa and elsewhere in the country.
ReutersAn ambulance is parked at the site of the Lapu Lapu day block party, where a vehicle drove into a crowd[/caption]