A mass crash at a Vancouver festival leaves at least nine dead.

BarcelonaAt least nine people were killed and several others injured in a mass crash in the Canadian city of Vancouver. According to Reuters, a driver plowed into the crowd at around 8 p.m. (local time, 6 a.m. in Catalonia), leaving several injured in his wake. The driver was participating in a Filipino street festival at the time. The incident occurred in the eastern part of the city. Canadian police say they are "confident at this time that this was not an act of terrorism."

The alleged perpetrator of the accident is a 30-year-old man with a police record. The man was driving a black SUV, which crashed into several food stalls at the end of the festival. The newspaper Vancouver Sun The detainee claims he suffers from mental health issues. The newspaper also notes that when he was questioned at the scene, he said he felt sorry for several people who were watching the scene. Authorities claim that thousands of people had attended the Lapu Lapu festival, an event that celebrates Filipino culture.

Reactions

"I am devastated to hear of the horrific events at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver earlier this afternoon," Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a social media post. Emergency services are already deployed to the area to treat the injured.

"I am shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific incident that occurred today on Lapu Lapu Day. We will work to provide more information as quickly as possible, but at this time, Vancouver Police have confirmed that there are multiple deaths and injuries," said Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim. "Our thoughts are with all those affected and the Filipino community in Vancouver at this incredibly difficult time," Sim concluded.