Vancouver: A festive evening in Vancouver turned into a devastating scene when a vehicle plowed into a crowd attending a Filipino street festival, leaving several people dead and injuring many others, according to police.
Authorities described it as a “mass casualty incident” and confirmed that a 30-year-old Vancouver man was arrested at the scene. However, officials withheld the exact number of fatalities and injuries, stating that additional information would be provided in the morning.
During a midnight press conference, police revealed that the suspect was “known” to law enforcement but offered no further details. They also noted that the man had initially been restrained by individuals present at the scene before being taken into custody.
The incident occurred shortly after 8 p.m. (0300 GMT) near the intersection of East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street, where the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party was underway. The event celebrates Lapu-Lapu, a national hero of the Philippines.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his sorrow on X, posting: “I am devastated to hear about the horrific events at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver earlier this evening.”
Similar sentiments were echoed by Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim and British Columbia Premier David Eby, who also posted messages of sympathy and support on X.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and panic. One witness told CTV News that he had seen a black vehicle behaving erratically in the vicinity moments before the crowd was struck.
Jagmeet Singh, leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party, had attended the festival but reportedly left just minutes before the incident occurred. Speaking to CTV News, Singh said, “This is so horrific, I don’t even know what to say. I was just there, and I just imagine the faces of the kids that I saw smiling and dancing.”
Also Read | Pakistan on Edge After India Vows to Cut Water Supply Over Kashmir
The festival had drawn thousands of attendees, according to the Vancouver Sun.
Yoseb Vardeh, co-owner of the Bao Buns food truck, recounted the horrifying moments to Postmedia: “I didn’t get to see the driver, all I heard was an engine rev,” he said. “I got outside my food truck, I looked down the road and there’s just bodies everywhere,” Vardeh continued, his voice breaking. “He went through the whole block, he went straight down the middle.”
Also Read | Trump’s Next 100 Days: Focus on Trade Deals, Peace Efforts, and Major Policy Shifts
The attack comes just days before Canada’s federal election, adding an even graver tone to the national mood.
Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the attack and are appealing for any witnesses or video footage from the area.
