A Filipino festival in Vancouver came to an abrupt end on Saturday night after a car rammed into the crowd, leaving 11 dead and dozens injured.

The incident occurred around 8pm Saturday night (1pm Sunday AEST) when the Lapu Lapu festival was coming to a close. A 30-year old man in a black SUV drove into a pedestrian-only area. Shortly after, the suspect was subdued by the crowd until police arrived and arrested him.

Vancouver Police Interim Chief Steve Rai referred to the attack as “the darkest day in our city’s history”.

The victims ranged from 5 to 65 years old and it’s suspected the death toll may rise in the coming days and weeks as some of the injured have been critically wounded.

Police have not yet determined a motive for the attack, but Rai stressed that it is not related to terrorism.Rai has also said the suspect has a “significant history” with police and health care professionals.

Mayor Ken Sim is “deeply saddened” by this incident.

“Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver’s Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time,” he said.

The Lapu Lapu Day festival is a celebration that commemorates Datu Lapu-Lapu, considered the first national hero of the Philippines with his rise against the Spanish colonisation.

Photo: Vancouver by Alan found HERE and used under a Creative Commons license. This image has not been modified.