Canada: 11 die after man drives car through Vancouver festival

The police said the incident was not related to terrorism.

Vancouver Police posted on X: "Eleven people have now died as a result of the mass-casualty event at the Lapu Lapu Day Festival. Our hearts are with all of the victims, their loved ones, and everyone who has been impacted by this act of violence. This is the darkest day in our city’s history."

Police said the driver has been taken into custody.

Police rushed to the scene immediately after the incident occurred.

Speaking on the arrest, the police earlier wrote on X: "A 30-year-old suspect, a Vancouver man, was arrested at the scene."

Attack left the country shocked, says PM Mark Carney

Prime Minister Mark Carney said the attack left the country shocked and heartbroken.

"The attack at the Lapu Lapu festival has left our country shocked, devastated, and heartbroken," the PM wrote on X.

"To those grieving, to those who were injured, to the Filipino Canadian community, and to everyone in Vancouver: Canada is mourning with you, and we are united behind you," he said.

The incident occurred at a time when Canada is gearing up to vote in the general election.

King Charles III says the incident left him profoundly saddened

Britain's King Charles III, who is also head of state of Canada, said he and his wife Queen Camilla were 'profoundly saddened' to learn about the 'dreadful attack'  in Vancouver.

"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," read the statement issued by the King.

Lapu Lapu Festival

This is a street festival that commemorates a Filipino anti-colonial leader, Datu Lapu-Lapu, from the 16th century.

Lapu-Lapu was the Philippines' first national hero, who led the victory against Spanish colonisers in the 1521 Battle of Mactan.