Vancouver: Several dead as car plows into crowd at festival

Vancouver: Several people were killed and multiple others injured after a vehicle drove into a crowd at a street festival in Vancouver, western Canada on Saturday, police said.

The authorities said the incident happened shortly after 8 p.m. local time (0300 UTC/GMT) near East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street.

The exact number of dead or injured was not initially confirmed by police.

Vancouver's 1130 NewsRadio cited a witness as saying they saw upward of 20 casualties.

Another witness told the broadcaster of screams as the driver of a black SUV plowed into the crowd, striking more than a dozen people.

Video posted to social media showed victims and debris strewn across a long stretch of road, with at least seven people lying immobile on the ground.

A black SUV with a crumpled front section could be seen in still photos from the scene.

Driver arrested at scene

Police said in a statement on X that the driver is now in custody.

The Vancouver Sun newspaper cited sources as saying the driver appears to have been suffering from mental health issues.

The incident occurred at the Lapu Lapu Day block party, a celebration of Filipino culture.

The festival, which was coming to a close, commemorates a Filipino anti-colonial leader from the 16th century.

The Vancouver Sun said thousands of people were in attendance.

PM Carney sends 'deepest condolences'

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was "devastated" to hear about the incident

"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 wrote on X.

Vancouver Mayor Ken Lim wrote on X: "I am shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific incident at today’s Lapu Lapu Day event. We will work to provide more information as soon as we can, but at this time."

"Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver’s Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time," Lim added.