Vancouver, Canada — A tragic incident at a bustling street festival in Vancouver resulted in the deaths of 11 people and left many others injured when a driver in a black SUV collided with festival-goers. The incident occurred Saturday evening during the Lapu-Lapu Day Block Party, a celebration honoring the Filipino Canadian community’s contributions, which had attracted around 100,000 attendees throughout the day.
According to police, the vehicle veered into a densely populated area shortly after 8 p.m., striking members of the crowd as festivities were winding down. Steve Rai, interim chief of the Vancouver Police Department, described the event as one of the darkest days in the city’s history. “The actions of a single individual have shattered our collective sense of safety,” he stated, emphasizing the extraordinary impact on numerous lives.
Rai indicated that police were unaware of any threats to the community or the festival prior to the crash. The incident unfolded as attendees were gathering to enjoy the celebrations, and it has raised questions about safety measures at large public events. Witnesses reported that chaos erupted as the vehicle accelerated through the crowd, leading many to flee in terror. “It was terrifying,” said one attendee, who detailed the pandemonium that ensued as onlookers realized what was happening.
A 30-year-old man from Vancouver has been taken into custody, but charges are still pending. Rai noted that the suspect has a significant history of interactions with law enforcement and health professionals related to mental health issues. While authorities have not released specific information about the victims, reports suggest that many of the deceased are young people, leaving families and friends in profound grief.
In a statement, Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his devastation, noting the “heartbreaking” nature of the tragedy, which occurred during a time meant for celebration and community bonding. Emergency services were deployed rapidly, and a “code orange” was declared, signaling a mass casualty event.
The local health authority has reported that more than 20 individuals suffered injuries, with some in critical condition. Victims were quickly transported to various hospitals throughout the area as authorities worked to assess the full scope of the incident.
As details emerge, community leaders and local organizations, including Filipino B.C., have called for support for those affected. They encouraged anyone dealing with trauma to seek mental health resources. The organization expressed its sorrow for the victims and their families, reflecting the widespread shock and grief felt across the community.
Witnesses described the aftermath as resembling a “war zone,” with bodies on the ground and people crying out for help. Eyewitness Kris Pangilinan, who had traveled from Toronto for the celebrations, recounted how the scene transformed from one of joy to horror in an instant. Another attendee, Joshua Polintan, condemned the driver’s actions, questioning the motives behind the event and emphasizing the wrongness of what occurred.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim and other political figures have expressed their condolences, with Sim stating he was “shocked and deeply saddened” by the incident. As investigations continue, law enforcement officials maintain that they do not consider this to be a terror-related act.
While many events were canceled or postponed in the wake of the tragedy, the Vancouver Sun Run, a major local event set for Sunday, is still scheduled to proceed as planned, with enhanced security measures in place. The community is now left to navigate the aftermath of this devastating event, seeking solace and support in the days to come.