BLACK Eyed Peas star Apl.de.Ap had performed at the Vancouver festival just minutes before the tragic crash that killed 11 people.
A black speeding Audi SUV ploughed into the crowd of “hundreds” that were present at the Lapu Lapu festival.
RexVancouver cops examining the car believed to be involved in the incident[/caption]
GettyApl.de.Ap of the band Black Eyed Peas performed at the festival just minutes before the crash (stock picture)[/caption]
Rapper Apl.de.ap has paid tribute to the victims of the crash (stock picture)Getty – Contributor
UKNIPThe black Audi was seen by eyewitnesses speeding into the crowd[/caption]
Star rapper Apl.de.Ap, who finished his set just minutes before the disaster, has now paid touching tributes to the victims.
He wrote on his Instagram: “Our hearts are broken for the victims, their families and everyone affected by the tragedy at the Lapu Lapu festival.
“J-Rey and I had just finished performing and left the stage minutes before it happened. It is hard to describe the shock and the heaviness we feel.
“Thanks to everyone who’s checked in – your love means the world to me.
“Please keep the victims, their families and the organisers in your prayers.”
A black Audi with a mangled bonnet was seen in the street outside a food truck after the crash.
Horrifying footage showed victims and debris strewn across the road – with at least seven people lying on the ground.
Other clips appeared to show fellow festival-goers trying to help those on the floor.
Emergency services were also seen working at the scene following the harrowing incident.
A 30-year-old “lone suspect” – who was known to cops – was arrested shortly after the shocking event.
The suspect reportedly looked the the crowd and uttered “I’m sorry”.
Vancouver Police’s Acting Chief Steve Rai said during a press conference that the person in custody has a significant history of interactions with police and healthcare professionals “related to mental health“.
The police department 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. We will provide more information as the investigation unfolds.”
The force insisted that the incident was not being treated as a terrorist attack.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police have asked anyone with information to contact them.
Eyewitness Kris Pangilinan said he saw the black Audi speeding down the street before the driver “slammed the pedal down” and hit victims like “bowling pins”.
Pangilinan told CBS: “It’s something you don’t expect to see in your lifetime.”
A woman and a child place a tribute, the morning after a vehicle was driven into a crowd at a Filipino community Lapu Lapu Day block party
ReutersTributes are left at the scene of the Filipino community Lapu Lapu Day block party[/caption]
He said: “[The driver] just slammed the pedal down and rammed into hundreds of people.
“It was like seeing a bowling ball hit — all the bowling pins and all the pins flying up in the air.”
The Toronto-based journalist added: “As someone who worked in news, you get numb to seeing these things — but seeing it in real life is just shocking.
“It was like a war zone…. There were bodies all over the ground.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said: “I am devastated to hear about the horrific events at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver earlier this evening.”
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.”
The British Royal family also shared a touching message from the King in a post on X.
King Charles 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 agonising time for so many in Canada.”
ReutersEmergency services attended to the scene[/caption]
ReutersThe crash happened as the Filipino community gathered to celebrate Lapu Lapu Day[/caption]
AFPSteve Rai, Vancouver Police interim police chief, speaks during a news conference[/caption]