VANCOUVER, CANADA – In a tragic turn of events, a celebration meant to honor Filipino heritage in Vancouver was marred by a devastating incident early this morning. A vehicle plowed through a crowd at a Lapu Lapu Day festival, leaving at least nine people dead and several others injured. The festival, in its second year, was intended to be a joyous occasion celebrating cultural pride, but it has now become the site of a heartbreaking tragedy.
The incident occurred just after 8 p.m. as the festival was winding down. Hundreds of individuals had gathered to commemorate Lapu Lapu Day, a significant holiday for the Filipino community. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as a black SUV crashed into the crowd, its front end severely damaged from the impact. First responders swiftly arrived on the scene, with police, firefighters, and paramedics rushing to assist the injured.
A 30-year-old man from Vancouver has been taken into custody in connection with the incident. Attendees at the festival reportedly detained the suspect before police arrived. Authorities have noted that the suspect was previously known to law enforcement, although details of his past interactions with police have not been disclosed.
Eyewitness Sheldon Nipshank, who lives nearby, recounted the moments following the crash. “I saw people crying, and emergency services were running down the street,” he said. The swift response from law enforcement and emergency services was crucial in managing the chaotic aftermath.
Vancouver’s Mayor Ken Sim expressed his condolences on social media, stating that he was “shocked and deeply saddened” by the day’s events. The tragedy struck just hours after Jagmeet Singh, leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party, had participated in the festival as part of a campaign stop. Singh later offered his sympathies to the victims and their families, as well as to the Filipino community.
Canada’s Prime Minister also reached out to the affected community, describing the incident as horrific and extending his condolences. He assured that the situation is being closely monitored and that support will be provided to those affected.
As the investigation unfolds, the community is left grappling with a profound sense of loss. The festival, which was meant to celebrate resilience and unity, now serves as a somber reminder of life’s unpredictability.