A horrifying incident unfolded on Saturday night in Vancouver when a car sped into a crowd attending the Lapu Lapu Day festival, leaving several dead and many injured. The event, which celebrates Filipino heritage, was taking place in the South Vancouver neighborhood. Local police confirmed that the driver, a 30-year-old man from Vancouver, was arrested shortly after the attack.
How the Incident Took Place?
Around 8:14 pm, a black SUV plowed through a street filled with festival-goers. Eyewitnesses reported that the vehicle was seen driving erratically before it struck the crowd. Disturbing videos shared on social media showed bodies on the street, with emergency responders rushing to assist the wounded. Some witnesses described a scene of chaos, with bodies strewn across the area and bystanders trying to help.
Local authorities, including the Vancouver Police Department, are continuing their investigation into the incident but have not yet confirmed whether it was an intentional attack or a tragic accident. Police did state that the driver is in custody and that further updates will be provided as the investigation unfolds.
Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his condolences following the tragedy, saying he was “devastated” by the news. He offered his deepest sympathies to the victims’ families and the Filipino community in Vancouver. “We are mourning with you,” he wrote in a statement.
Vancouver Mayor Describes the Incident as Horrific
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim also reacted to the incident, describing it as “horrific” and offering thoughts to the victims’ families. He mentioned that the city’s Filipino community, who were gathered to celebrate Lapu Lapu Day, would be going through an incredibly difficult time.
While the motives behind the attack remain unclear, this incident comes after a series of similar tragedies across the globe, where vehicles were used to target crowds in public spaces. Such attacks have sparked increasing concern and calls for enhanced security at public events.
The Lapu Lapu Day festival, a cultural celebration commemorating the Filipino anti-colonial hero Lapu Lapu, had a festive atmosphere before the tragedy struck. Thousands had gathered for the event, which featured a parade, dancing, and live music, with performances from popular artists.
Eye Witnesses Shares the Occurrence of the Incident
Witnesses, including those operating food trucks at the festival, shared their shock at the carnage. One individual recounted hearing the rev of an engine before seeing the SUV speed down the street, running over attendees. Another festival-goer described the heartbreaking sight of people trying to tend to the injured, unsure of where to start.
The attack comes less than a year after Nathaniel Veltman was convicted in Ontario for running down a Muslim family, an act linked to white supremacy. This case raised the alarm on the rising use of vehicles as weapons in public attacks across North America and Europe, highlighting the growing security concerns around such events.
Authorities have yet to reveal the full details of the attack, but the city of Vancouver has expressed its commitment to providing support to the affected families. As investigations continue, the community is left grappling with the impact of this tragic incident.
