Vancouver Police have confirmed that 11 people were killed Saturday night after a driver plowed through a crowded street festival celebrating Filipino culture in south Vancouver.
The age of the deceased range from five to 65 years old. Dozens more are injured, some critically, and a number of victims have yet to be identified.
The horrific incident occurred at around 8:15 p.m. during the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party, which was taking place along Fraser Street between East 41st Avenue and East 49th Avenue.
In an early morning press conference, Vancouver Police Interim Chief Steve Rai said the driver — a 30-year-old Vancouver man — was arrested at the scene and remains in custody. Rai confirmed the man was “known to police” and that the crowd helped detain him until officers arrived.
“The crowd immediately called police. We then took custody of the subject, and he is now in our custody,” Rai said.
Related: ‘Number of people killed’ after SUV drives through street festival in Vancouver
According to police, the suspect acted alone and drove a black SUV that suffered significant front-end damage. Graphic photos and videos circulating on social media showed a chaotic and devastating scene, with multiple victims seriously injured or lying motionless on the ground as first responders swarmed the area.
In a further update posted to X (formerly Twitter) at 1:34 a.m. Sunday, VPD said they are confident the incident was not an act of terrorism.
The exact number of injured has not been confirmed, but based on video footage from the scene, there could potentially be as many as 40 to 50 people hurt.
The Filipino Canadian Community & Cultural Society of BC, which organized the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party, will hold a press conference at 10 a.m. Sunday near the scene of the tragedy.
“Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic incident,” VPD said in a statement.
Further details are expected to be released by Vancouver Police later on Sunday as the investigation continues.
