Nine people lost their lives, and many others were injured when a vehicle drove into a crowd at a street festival in Vancouver. The incident occurred during the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party, which celebrates a national hero of the Philippines. It took place near 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street around 8:14 PM local time on Saturday.
According to the Vancouver Police, a 30-year-old man, who is known to them, was arrested at the scene. Officials believe this was not a terrorist act. Interim Chief Constable Stave Rai said the suspect was detained by the crowd before police arrived. He assured the public that there was no ongoing threat and that security for a nearby event, the Sun Run, would remain unchanged.
The festival, which had a few thousand attendees, featured performances, including one by J Rey Soul of the Black Eyed Peas. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as they heard the vehicle revving before it struck the crowd. One witness recalled seeing bodies lying on the ground and people screaming in panic.
Images from the scene showed a black SUV with a crumpled front, and video footage shared on social media depicted the aftermath with debris scattered across the road. Eyewitnesses reported that the vehicle drove straight through the festival, hitting many people.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, who was campaigning for the upcoming elections, called the incident a "car ramming attack." He expressed his condolences to the families affected and praised the quick actions of those who helped at the scene.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed his sorrow over the incident, stating he was "shattered" by the news. The King and Queen of the United Kingdom also offered their condolences, calling the event a "desperate tragedy."
Vancouver’s Mayor Ken Sim and British Columbia Premier David Eby shared their shock and sadness over the event, emphasizing their support for the victims and the Filipino community. The festival organizers released a statement expressing their heartbreak over the tragedy and their support for the affected families.
This tragic event has left the community in mourning, as they grapple with the loss of life and the impact of such violence in a place meant for celebration and unity.