A tragic mass casualty event struck Vancouver last night when an SUV plowed into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Day festival, a celebration of Filipino heritage. Vancouver Police confirmed the incident happened around 8:14 p.m. at E. 41st Avenue and Fraser Street, leaving several dead and many injured. “The driver is in custody,” officials shared, adding the investigation is ongoing.

Witnesses described a horrifying scene. “I think he was going for maximum damage,” said Yoseb Vardeh, a food truck owner, noting the SUV sped through the crowd at about 100 km/h (62 mph).

Authorities arrested a 30-year-old Vancouver man at the scene. The Vancouver Police Department’s Major Crime Section is leading the investigation as officials continue to gather details.

Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his heartbreak, tweeting: “I offer my deepest condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured… We are mourning with you.” Green Party leader Elizabeth May added, “I’m horrified and heartbroken that such an attack could occur during a celebration of resilience and culture.”