Nine killed after SUV runs into crowd at Canada's Vancouver street festival

Nine people were killed and multiple others injured after a vehicle drove into a crowd at a street festival in Vancouver on Saturday evening, the police said.

"As of now, we can confirm nine people have died after a man drove through a crowd at last night’s Lapu Lapu Festival. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic incident," Vancouver Police informed.

The incident occurred just after 8pm (local time) near East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street, where the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party was taking place. Police have stated that the driver is currently in custody.

A number of people have been killed and multiple others are injured after a driver drove into a crowd at a street festival at E. 41st Avenue and Fraser shortly after 8 p.m. tonight. The driver is in custody. We will provide more information as the investigation unfolds. pic.twitter.com/Iqh5AK5Au3

— Vancouver Police (@VancouverPD) April 27, 2025

The black SUV, believed to have driven through the festival, was seen with a crushed front hood and deployed airbags on the driver's side, New York Post reported citing videos from the scene.

Images from the scene depicted a scene of devastation, with dozens of injured individuals receiving care from first responders and bystanders.

Devastated to hear about the horrific events: PM Carney

Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his sorrow on the social media platform X, stating that he was "devastated" by the "horrific events." "I offer my deepest condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured, to the Filipino Canadian community, and to everyone in Vancouver," he said. "We are all mourning with you."

I am devastated to hear about the horrific events at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver earlier this evening.

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…

— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) April 27, 2025

Mayor Ken Sim condemned the incident and said that there were "a number of fatalities."

"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
@VancouverPD have confirmed that there are a number of fatalities and multiple injuries. Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver’s Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time," he said.

Confirming the incident, City Councillor Rebecca Bligh said that the SUV driver drove into the crowd, and left multiple people dead.

"Horrific tragedy at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Festival: a driver of an SUV has driven into crowds, leaving multiple dead. Our city is in shock. Thinking of the victims, their families, and everyone affected," she said in a post on X.

Horrific tragedy at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Festival: a driver of an SUV has driven into crowds, leaving multiple dead. Our city is in shock. Thinking of the victims, their families, and everyone affected. Follow official sources for critical updates.

— Rebecca Bligh, City Councillor (@rebeccaleebligh) April 27, 2025

Lapu Lapu Day is one of the largest celebrations in the Philippines, and this was its second year being celebrated in Vancouver.

This comes just days before the federal elections in the country.