A number of people were killed and several others injured in Vancouver after a driver went to a crowd to a Filipino Street Festival in the city of western Canada, police said.
The police said that the incident occurred shortly after 8:00 p.m. on Saturday (0300 GMT on Sunday) at the city’s sunset in the Fraser district and that the driver was placed in police custody.
The mayor of Vancouver, Ken Sim, said: “I am shocked and deeply saddened by the horrible incident at the Lapu Day event today.”
The festival commemorates a Philippin anti-colonial chief of the 16th century.
“Our thoughts are with all the people affected and with the Philippine community of Vancouver during this incredibly difficult period,” wrote Sim.
A witness told CTV News on the Vancouver incident, he saw a black vehicle drive irregularly into the festival area just before hitting the crowd.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said that he “was devastated to hear about the horrible events of the Lapu Lapu festival”.
“I offer my deepest condolences to relatives of those who are killed and injured, to the Philippine Canadian community and everyone in Vancouver. We are all mourning with you. ”
Carney added that the federal government closely monitored developments as the investigation continues.
More to come …
