Several people were killed and many other injured in Canada's Vancouver on Saturday night after a driver drove his SUV into a crowd gathered for a Filipino street festival. The number of victims was yet to be ascertained.
The authorities have nabbed the suspect, according to the Vancouver Police Department (VPD). "We will provide more information as the investigation unfolds," said police. “A number of people have been killed and multiple others are injured after a driver drove into a crowd at a street festival at E. 41st Avenue and Fraser shortly after 8 p.m. tonight,” it added.
The suspect was identified as a 30-year-old man and was known to police "in certain circumstances", according to Vancouver Police interim chief Steve Rai.
The attack took place when the Filipino diaspora were celebrating the Lapu Lapu Day at E. 41st Avenue and Fraser around 8 pm on Saturday (8.30 am IST on Sunday). In one of the videos circulating on social media, a man in a red shirt is seen lying on the ground as another person seems to give them CPR.
The Lapu Lapu Festival is celebrated to honour Datu Lapu-Lapu, an Indigenous Visayan chieftain who fought the Spanish colonisers in the Battle of Mactan in 1521 in the Philippines. The Canadian province of British Columbia has officially recognised April 27 as Lapu Lapu Day since 2023.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said officials were assessing the situation. "I offer my deepest condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured, to the Filipino Canadian community, and to everyone in Vancouver. We are all mourning with you," the PM said.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim said he is shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific incident. "Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver’s Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time," Sim added.
British Columbia PM David Eby said the provincial authorities are in touch with Vancouver officials and would provide any needed support.