Authorities in Vancouver are currently investigating a devastating event characterized as a “mass casualty incident” after a vehicle plowed into a crowd celebrating the Lapu Lapu festival, which honors Filipino culture. The tragic occurrence took place at approximately 8:14 PM local time on Saturday, resulting in several fatalities and numerous injuries.
Suspect in custody and investigation underway
The police reported that a 30-year-old male suspect has been taken into custody. Officials expressed confidence that this incident does not appear to be linked to terrorism, although the exact number of casualties remains unclear. The incident unfolded at East 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street, directly impacting attendees of the street festival.
Witness accounts and community response
Steve Rai, the interim chief of Vancouver Police, confirmed that only one vehicle and one individual were involved in the incident. More detailed information is anticipated to be released in the coming hours. Witnesses have described the scene as chaotic. Yoseb Vardeh, who operates a food truck selling bao buns at the festival, recounted his horror as the attack unfolded before his eyes. He stated, “This guy, he killed some of my customers. There were people waiting for their buns that got hit.” Vardeh further shared that he saw bodies beneath food trucks and heard distraught individuals searching for their loved ones, describing the atmosphere as “just horrible.”
Unverified videos circulating on social media depicted an overwhelming presence of emergency vehicles, including police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks, at the site of the tragedy, with injured individuals lying on the ground.
In the wake of the incident, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his devastation on X, extending his condolences to the victims’ families and the Filipino Canadian community. He emphasized, “We are all mourning with you,” and acknowledged the prompt actions of the emergency responders.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim also conveyed his shock and sadness regarding the incident, stating that his thoughts are with all those affected, particularly the Filipino community in Vancouver during this challenging time. Leaders from various political parties have shared their condolences, with Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre labeling the event a “senseless attack.” David Eby, leader of the British Columbia New Democratic Party, expressed his heartbreak over the situation.
Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party, who had attended the festival prior to the incident, stated that he was “horrified to learn” about the casualties. He expressed solidarity with the victims and their families, and the Filipino community who gathered to celebrate resilience.