Nine people killed after car plows into crowd in Canada

A street festival celebrating Filipino heritage turned into a scene of horror on April 26 night after a driver plowed into a crowd in the Canadian city of Vancouver, killing at least nine people and injuring several others.

The incident occurred around 8:14 p.m. local time during the Lapu Lapu Day Festival near East 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street, Vancouver Police said. The festival, organized by British Columbia’s Filipino community, was intended to honor Lapu Lapu, an Indigenous leader who resisted Spanish colonization, Caliber.Az reports, citing American media.

"Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic incident," Vancouver Police said in a statement on April 27, confirming the death toll.

Attendees at the festival helped subdue the driver at the scene before police arrived. The suspect, identified as a 30-year-old Vancouver man, was arrested and remains in custody. Authorities have not released his name.

Police stated they are "confident" the attack was not related to terrorism. Canadian officials are currently investigating whether mental health issues may have played a role, a law enforcement source told CNN.

Vancouver Police interim chief Steve Rai noted that the suspect was previously "known to police in certain circumstances," but provided no further details.

The festive atmosphere had drawn families and community members to the streets lined with food trucks and traditional Filipino performances under the spring sunshine. Witnesses described the aftermath of the attack as resembling a "war zone."

Investigators continue to process the scene and interview witnesses as the city grapples with the devastating event.

By Khagan Isayev