Ottawa:
Canadian authorities have apprehended a 30-year-old man following a tragic incident where a vehicle crashed into a street party during a Filipino cultural celebration in Vancouver. The incident took place on Saturday, claiming the lives of at least eleven individuals. However, after initial investigations, law enforcement stated that the occurrence during the Lapu Lapu Day festivities was not linked to terrorism.
The incident occurred around 8:00 pm local time as members of the Filipino community gathered to mark Lapu Lapu Day, which honors a Filipino anti-colonial leader from the 16th century.
“At this time, we can confirm nine fatalities from the tragic events at last night’s Lapu Lapu Festival,” announced the police on X.
Witnesses reported that a man drove a black SUV through a crowded street lined with food trucks, striking party attendees.
A 30-year-old local man was arrested at the scene, as confirmed by Vancouver police on X.
The driver, described as a “lone suspect,” had a history of mental health issues, according to Canadian authorities.
“We are certain that this incident was not an act of terrorism,” Vancouver police stated on X.
The suspect was known to law enforcement in certain capacities, as mentioned by acting Police Chief Steve Rai, although specific details were not disclosed.
Rai stated that prior to police intervention, the suspect was apprehended by individuals in the crowd.
Footage circulating online depicted a damaged black SUV parked on a street strewn with debris, near first responders attending to injured individuals.
An eyewitness, Dale Selipe, recounted seeing injured children on the ground after the vehicle plowed into the crowd.
Photos shared by CBC showed emergency crews at the scene alongside large crowds from the block party earlier in the day.
Festival security guard Jen Idaba-Castaneto described the chaotic scene, mentioning “bodies everywhere.”
The Philippine consulate in Vancouver expressed deep concern and sympathy for the victims of the tragic incident in a Facebook statement.
