A tragic incident at the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party in Vancouver resulted in the deaths of eleven individuals, including a five-year-old child, after a vehicle plowed into a crowd on Saturday evening. Authorities have arrested a 30-year-old suspect, who is known to them, while confirming that the incident was not an act of terrorism.

The attack took place at approximately 8:14 p.m. local time, when a man drove into a large crowd gathered for the annual festival, which celebrates Filipino heritage. Vancouver Police reported that the suspect was detained at the scene after bystanders intervened.

Deputy Chief Constable Steve Rai, in a press briefing on Sunday, confirmed that the fatalities included individuals as old as 65. While dozens were injured, some critically, the death toll could potentially rise. Rai also assured the public that, despite the scale of the tragedy, it was not linked to terrorism but rather believed to be driven by mental health issues.

Mayor Ken Sim, in a subsequent statement, echoed this assessment, highlighting that mental health concerns seemed to be at the root of the tragedy. The incident occurred during the second year of the Lapu Lapu festival, with performances including J Rey Soul of the Black Eyed Peas. Although up to a few thousand people attended, the crowd size remained fluid as the event continued into the evening.

Social media footage from the scene captured harrowing images of bodies scattered across a wide stretch of road, with a black Audi SUV visibly damaged in the aftermath. Witnesses recounted the horrifying moments before the vehicle struck, with one person recalling seeing the car driving erratically prior to the collision.

Another witness, Yoseb Vardeh, co-owner of a food truck at the festival, described hearing an engine rev before looking out to see “bodies everywhere.” His account, along with others, painted a chaotic and devastating scene. Abigail Andiso, another bystander, described seeing over 20 people lying motionless on the ground, with widespread panic and confusion ensuing in the immediate aftermath.

Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the event as a "car ramming attack" and expressed his sympathy for the victims’ families, acknowledging the profound loss felt by those affected. Leaders from across the globe, including Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and members of the British royal family, extended their condolences, offering support to the victims and their families.

The festival was held in South Vancouver, and the incident comes just days before Canadians head to the polls for a new prime minister. The horrific nature of the crash has left the city in shock, with local and national leaders offering their support to the community in the wake of the tragedy.


(Wafric News)