A vehicle struck a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Day festival, a celebration of Filipino heritage in Vancouver, on Saturday evening. Local authorities reported that the accident led to a “mass casualty incident,” with nine confirmed deaths. The police apprehended the driver, a 30-year-old man from Vancouver, at the scene. While the investigation continues, officials have ruled out terrorism as a motive.
Tragedy at Vancouver's Lapu Lapu Day Festival: Nine Dead after Driver Hits Crowd
Tragedy at Vancouver's Lapu Lapu Day Festival: Nine Dead after Driver Hits Crowd
A devastating incident occurred at a community festival in Vancouver as a vehicle drove into attendees, resulting in at least nine fatalities.
The incident took place around 8:14 p.m. near East 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street, where participants were celebrating Datu Lapu Lapu, a revered hero in the Philippines. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as the driver, known to law enforcement, sped through the gathering. Members of the festival crowd restrained him until police arrived.
In a statement, interim police chief Steve Rai expressed condolences to the victims and their families, emphasizing the tragic nature of the event. Photos from the scene showed a damaged black SUV, highlighting the severity of the crash and the immediate aftermath of chaos. Local authorities are urging the community to come together in support of those affected by this heartbreaking loss.
In a statement, interim police chief Steve Rai expressed condolences to the victims and their families, emphasizing the tragic nature of the event. Photos from the scene showed a damaged black SUV, highlighting the severity of the crash and the immediate aftermath of chaos. Local authorities are urging the community to come together in support of those affected by this heartbreaking loss.
