A tragic incident occurred in Vancouver, Canada, when a driver crashed into a crowd at the Lapu-Lapu Day street festival, killing and injuring multiple individuals on Saturday night. The event, dedicated to celebrating Filipino culture, was taking place at East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street. Vancouver police apprehended the 30-year-old male suspect shortly after the incident at around 8:14 p.m., asserting that it was not an act of terrorism.
Witnesses reported chaos as the truck barreled down a pedestrian-only area lined with food trucks and festival-goers. One food truck owner described seeing “bodies everywhere” after hearing the vehicle rev. Following the crash, emergency services, including Vancouver General Hospital, began treating numerous victims, grappling with the shocking aftermath.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim expressed deep sorrow, emphasizing that thoughts were with those affected and the local Filipino community. British Columbia Premier David Eby announced ongoing communication with municipal officials to provide necessary support. Additionally, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democrat Party, shared their condolences and shock over the incident on social media, underscoring the sense of loss within the community.
The Lapu-Lapu Day festival honors historical figures and events, commemorating Lapu-Lapu, an indigenous leader known for resisting colonialism in the Philippines during the 16th century. With nearly a million Canadians of Filipino descent, this cultural event was significant for the community and a source of pride. As investigators continue to ascertain the full extent of the tragedy, Vancouver remains in mourning.
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