Several people were killed, and multiple others injured as a car plowed into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Day Filipino street festival on the eve of Canada’s general elections.

The incident occurred around 8:00 PM local time (03:00 GMT) near East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street, according to police reports.

Authorities have taken the driver into custody, though no information about the individual’s identity or motive has been released. The police investigation is ongoing.

The annual Lapu Lapu Day festival, which commemorates the Filipino hero who resisted colonial rule, had drawn a large gathering in the heart of Vancouver when the devastating crash occurred.

In the aftermath, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his sorrow on social media platform X, stating: “I am devastated to hear about the horrific events at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver earlier this evening.” British Columbia Premier David Eby echoed similar sentiments, writing, “Shocked and heartbroken by the news from Vancouver. Our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones.”

Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, providing aid to the injured and helping with crowd control. The precise number of casualties has yet to be confirmed, but officials have described the incident as a major tragedy.

As the nation prepares to head to the polls, the shocking events in Vancouver have cast a somber shadow over the electoral process. Further details are expected as authorities continue their investigation into this heartbreaking incident. (ILKHA)