9 killed after car plows into Vancouver street festival

"As of now, we can confirm nine people have died after a man drove through a crowd at last night's Lapu Lapu Festival," Vancouver Police said on X.

The police announced that they were "confident" that the incident was not an act of terrorism.

The driver, a 30-year-old Vancouver man, is currently in custody.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney offered his condolences in a post on X, saying: “I am devastated to hear about the horrific events at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver earlier this evening.”

”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,” he added, stating that they are closely monitoring the situation.

The vehicle was driven into a crowd gathered for the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party, an annual celebration honoring the Philippines' first national hero.

Don Davies, a member of parliament representing the Vancouver Kingsway district, wrote on X: "Just heard the tragic news of the horrendous attack at the Lapu Lapu festival. I am praying for all the victims and their families."

A 24-hour assistance center has been established at the Douglas Park Community Centre to support those unable to reach loved ones at the festival.