A joyful celebration turned into a heartbreaking tragedy on Saturday evening when a driver plowed into a crowd attending the Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver, leaving 11 people dead and dozens more injured. The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) confirmed the devastating toll, with interim Chief Steve Rai describing the incident as “the darkest day in our city.” Among the victims were young people, and officials warn the death count could rise as more critical injuries are being treated in hospitals. Approximately 26 individuals were transported to nearby medical facilities, with conditions ranging from serious to critical.
The suspect, a 30-year-old Vancouver man with a documented history of mental health issues, remains in custody. Authorities have revealed that the vehicle used, a black Audi, was registered to a relative of the accused. Interim Chief Rai emphasized that while the man had prior interactions with police and health-care workers, there was no indication of terrorism being a factor in the attack. Vancouver police are working closely with Crown counsel, and charges are expected once the ongoing homicide investigation concludes. Over 100 officers are now dedicated to gathering evidence, assisting grieving families, and ensuring that no detail is overlooked.
Premier David Eby and Mayor Ken Sim have both expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. Eby, who had attended the festival with his daughter the day before the attack, pledged government support to the Filipino community and vowed to find answers to prevent similar incidents in the future. He noted that the province recently added 10 new involuntary mental health care beds but suggested that systemic changes, including event security measures, may need urgent review. Eby emphasized the resilience of the community, affirming that such attacks would not deter future celebrations.
In the wake of the attack, a memorial has begun to take shape at the site with flowers and tributes. Community organizations have launched support initiatives, including a GoFundMe campaign to help the victims’ families cover funeral expenses, hospital bills, and other immediate needs. Additional resources, including victim support lines and emergency childcare services, have been mobilized to assist those affected. A 24-hour assistance center was also set up at Douglas Park Community Centre for people seeking information about missing loved ones.
The Lapu Lapu Day festival, named after a 16th-century Filipino leader who resisted Spanish colonization, is a cherished cultural event for Vancouver’s Filipino community. Saturday’s second annual celebration was expected to draw tens of thousands throughout the day, with food trucks, performances, and community festivities near John Oliver Secondary School. The horrific attack has left a profound scar, but community leaders, law enforcement, and government officials have united around a shared commitment to healing and ensuring such a tragedy is never repeated.
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