Vancouver [Canada], April 27 (ANI): A tragic incident occurred on Saturday night when a driver plowed a car into a crowd at a Filipino heritage street festival in Vancouver, killing at least nine people and injuring several others, as reported by CNN.
The attack took place during the Lapu Lapu Festival, an annual event celebrating Filipino culture and marking Lapu Lapu Day, which honors an indigenous leader who fought against Spanish colonization. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with some attendees helping to apprehend the suspect on site. The police identified the suspect as a 30-year-old man.
“At this time, we can confirm nine people have died after a man drove through a crowd at last night’s Lapu Lapu Festival. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic incident,” stated Vancouver Police in a message to CNN.
The event, which featured food trucks and traditional Filipino dance performances, was meant to be a joyful celebration of culture. However, it ended in devastation. One witness compared the scene to a “war zone.”
While no motive has been confirmed, police have assured the public that they are “confident” it was not an act of terrorism. Canadian authorities are investigating the possibility that mental health issues may have played a role in the incident, according to a law enforcement source.
The incident occurred around 8:14 PM on April 26, near East 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street. Vancouver Police interim chief Steve Rai confirmed that the suspect, a local resident, was arrested at the scene. He declined to provide further details on the suspect’s background, but confirmed that the individual acted alone, with “one suspect, one vehicle.”
The investigation, which is being handled by the Vancouver Police Department’s Major Crime Section, is ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. (ANI)
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