According to Reuters, the police said the incident occurred at around 8pm local time, while the Philippine community was holding the "Lapu Lapu Day" event near the intersection of East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street.
The driver who caused the incident was arrested at the scene. Authorities are investigating but have not yet released specific figures on the number of dead and injured.
A witness told 1130 NewsRadio that there were about 20 casualties. Local media also said that thousands of people attended the festival at the time of the incident.
Images from the scene show bodies and debris lying scattered on a long stretch of road. A black SUV has a deformed front of the vehicle. A witness recounted that he only heard the sound of the engine before seeing the bodies lying everywhere on the road.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his deep grief over the tragedy through a post on social media X, while Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim and British Columbia Prime Minister David Eby also expressed their shock and condolences.
jag meet Singh, leader of Canada's New Democratic Party, attended the festival but left just minutes before the incident. Mr. Singh shared with CTV News that he could not believe the horror of the incident and still remember the faces of the children dancing happily.
The investigation is ongoing as Canada prepares to enter the general election on April 1.
