A mass casualty incident occurred during the Lapu Lapu Day Festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, when a driver plowed into the crowd, resulting in at least nine fatalities. The police have taken the driver into custody and ruled out terrorism as a motive.
Tragedy Strikes Vancouver's Lapu Lapu Day Festival: Nine Lives Lost
Tragedy Strikes Vancouver's Lapu Lapu Day Festival: Nine Lives Lost
A vehicle crashed into a crowd at a community celebration in Vancouver, causing a devastating loss of life and prompting an investigation.
On Saturday evening, tragedy struck the Lapu Lapu Day Festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, as a vehicle collided with a large gathering, claiming the lives of at least nine individuals. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic when a 30-year-old man drove through the crowd during the annual celebration honoring a national hero from the Philippines.
The Vancouver police labeled the incident a "mass casualty event" and confirmed that a single suspect was apprehended at the scene. The driver was reportedly known to law enforcement, although officials have not disclosed further information regarding possible motives behind the incident.
Early reports indicated that the confrontation occurred around 8:14 p.m. on April 26, as attendees gathered at East 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street. Images captured by various news agencies depicted a black SUV with extensive front-end damage and deployed airbags, suggesting a significant impact.
Police Chief Steve Rai, speaking at a news conference, emphasized the profound sorrow of the community and expressed condolences to the victims and their families. He acknowledged that bystanders managed to subdue the driver before law enforcement arrived, further demonstrating the community's engagement during the harrowing event.
Local authorities are continuing their investigation to understand the full details of the incident while the thoughts of the city remain with those affected in this heartbreaking tragedy.
