Vancouver - Saba:
Several people were killed and injured on Sunday when a car plowed into a crowd at a Filipino community festival in Vancouver, southwestern Canada.
The Vancouver Police Department said in a brief statement on the X platform: "The driver is in custody. We will provide more information as the investigation develops."
Canadian media reported that at least eight people, including a child, were killed and six others injured in the accident.
A bystander told a local radio reporter that screams were suddenly heard as the driver of a black sports utility vehicle plowed into the crowd, injuring more than a dozen people near East 43rd Street and Fraser Avenue.
He added that the driver attempted to leave the vehicle and flee on foot, but several people detained him until police arrived.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his condolences to the families of the injured and those killed.
He added in a post on X: "I was shocked to hear of the horrific events that took place this evening at the Lapu-Lapu Festival in Vancouver. I offer my deepest condolences to the loved ones of the victims and those injured, to the Filipino-Canadian community, and to all Vancouverites. We are closely monitoring the situation."
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim also said he was shocked and saddened by the horrific incident, adding, "Our thoughts are with all those affected and with the Filipino community in Vancouver during this extremely difficult time."
According to media reports, the festival, known as the Lapu-Lapu Festival, is a major Filipino festival held annually.
It is worth noting that parliamentary elections will be held in Canada tomorrow, Monday.
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