Vancouver, Canada — A tragic incident unfolded at a street festival in Vancouver on Saturday evening, claiming the lives of at least nine people and injuring numerous others when a car barreled into a crowd. The chaos erupted around 8:14 p.m. local time at the annual Lapu Lapu festival, an event celebrating Filipino culture, held on East 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street.
Authorities apprehended a 30-year-old male suspect shortly after the incident. Police expressed confidence that the act was not related to terrorism, while an investigation into the circumstances continued. Steve Rai, the interim chief of Vancouver Police, confirmed that one vehicle was involved and stated that further updates would be available in the morning.
Eyewitness accounts paint a harrowing picture of the scene. Yoseb Vardeh, the owner of a food truck at the festival, described the moment the incident occurred right in front of him. “Some of my customers were struck,” Vardeh recounted. He noted that festivalgoers waiting for their food became victims of the violence, and he witnessed people crying out for their loved ones amidst the unfolding tragedy.
Videos circulating on social media captured the immediate response, showing an influx of emergency vehicles, including police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks, as responders worked to assist the injured.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his sorrow over the events, extending condolences to the families impacted by this tragedy and the broader Filipino Canadian community. “We are all mourning with you,” he stated, while also praising the swift actions of emergency responders.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim echoed these sentiments, expressing his shock and deep sadness. In a social media post, he conveyed his thoughts to those affected and emphasized support for the local Filipino community during this challenging time.
Peter Fry, a city councillor, reflected on the festival’s significance, noting it was a lively, family-oriented celebration that took a horrifying turn. “Our entire city is in shock,” he remarked, highlighting the abrupt shift from joy to grief.
This year marked the inaugural official celebration of Lapu Lapu Day in Vancouver, an event held annually in the Philippines to honor national hero Lapu-Lapu, who famously resisted Spanish colonization. The festival promotes cultural harmony and mutual respect in British Columbia, making this incident all the more poignant.
Political leaders across the spectrum responded to the tragedy with heartfelt messages. Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party, condemned the act as “senseless,” while David Eby, leader of the New Democratic Party in British Columbia, expressed his heartbreak over the incident. Jagmeet Singh, also a leader within the New Democratic Party and a participant in the festival earlier, conveyed horror at the loss of innocent lives, emphasizing thoughts for the victims and their families during this trying time.
As the community grapples with this devastating event, the resilience of Vancouver’s Filipino community remains a focal point, underscoring the need for healing and solidarity in the days ahead.