At least 11 individuals, including several described as being "very young people," have died in relation to an incident in which an SUV into a crowd during a street festival in Vancouver, Canada, Saturday (April 26) night, officials confirmed during an update on Sunday (April 27) via the Canadian Broadcastin Corporation.
The suspect, who was only identified as a local 30-year-old man, was "known" to law enforcement after a "significant" history with the department, as well as health-care professionals related to mental health, interim Vancouver Police Chief Steve Rai confirmed. Rai reiterated that dozens more were injured and the death toll, which was initially reported to be at least nine people, could continue to rise.
“The number of dead could rise in the coming days or weeks,” Rai said. “This is the darkest day in our city’s history,” he said via CBC.
Witnesses at the scene compared the incident to a bowling ball smashing through pins. The suspect was reportedly held down by patrons after the vehicle came to a halt as they waited for police to arrive at the scene.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney offered condolences in a post shared on his X account.
"I am devastated to hear about the horrific events at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver earlier this evening. I offer my deepest condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured, to the Filipino Canadian community, and to everyone in Vancouver," Carney wrote. "We are all mourning with you. We are monitoring the situation closely, and thankful to our first responders for their swift action."