At least 11 dead after car ploughs into crowd at street festival in Vancouver leaving ‘bodies everywhere’

AT LEAST 11 people have been killed after a car ploughed into a crowd at a street festival in Vancouver.

A 30-year-old "lone suspect" from the city - who was known to cops - was arrested shortly after a black Audi hit revellers at around 8pm local time.

Vancouver police are investigating a "mass casualty incident" after several people were killed and multiple others injured.

At least 11 people have been killed and several others wounded, cops confirmed.

The force said in a statement: "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."

A black Audi with a mangled bonnet was seen in the street outside a food truck after the crash.

It happened as members of the Filipino community had gathered to celebrate Lapu Lapu Day, Vancouver mayor Ken Sim said.

The festival commemorates a Filipino anti-colonial leader from the 16th century.

Saturday's event featured a parade, a film screening, dancing and a concert - with two members of the Black Eyed Peas featured on the lineup.

Sim said: "Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver's Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time."

One witness told CTV News he saw a black vehicle driving erratically in the area of the festival just before the crowd was struck.

Thousands of revellers had been in the area when the car ploughed into crowds.

Yoseb Vardeh, who was running a food truck at the event, told local media: "I didn't get to see the driver, all I heard was an engine rev.

"I got outside my food truck, I looked down the road and there's just bodies everywhere.

"He went through the whole block, he went straight down the middle."

Horror footage showed victims and debris strewn across the road - with at least seven people lying on the ground.

Other clips appear to show fellow festival-goers trying to help those on the floor.

Emergency services were seen working at the scene following the harrowing incident.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said: "I am devastated to hear about the horrific events at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver earlier this evening."

The British Royal family shared a message from the King in a post on X.

King Charles said: "Both my wife and I were profoundly saddened to learn of the dreadful attack and utterly tragic loss of life in Vancouver, which took place as the Filipino community came together to mark the celebration of one of their most special festivals.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to all those whose lives have been shattered by such a desperate tragedy and we send our deepest possible sympathy at a most agonising time for so many in Canada."

Vancouver Police said: "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."

Officers added that the incident was not being treated as a terrorist attack.

The premier of British Columbia David Eby said he was "shocked" and "heartbroken" to hear of the lives lost and injuries at the festival.

Canada's New Democracy Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh - who was at the event before the horror incident unfolded - has said he is "horrified to learn" of "innocent people" being killed and hurt.

He added: "As we wait to learn more, our thoughts are with the victims and their families – and Vancouver’s Filipino community, who were coming together today to celebrate resilience."

The NDP had made a campaign stop at the Lapu Lapu Day block party.

Canada's Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre described being shocked by the "horrific news".

He said: "My thoughts are with the Filipino community and all the victims targeted by this senseless attack."

The investigation is ongoing, with police asking anyone with information to contact them.

In 2022, a driver ploughed into a crowd of Freedom Convoy protesters in Winnipeg, Canada - injuring four before fleeing the scene.

Dashcam footage of the incident shows the white Jeep striking the protesters - who were showing support for anti-Covid-mandates protests in Ottawa and elsewhere in the country.