Several people were killed and several others were injured after a driver returned to a crowd at Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver on Saturday evening.
Vancouver police have confirmed that at least 11 people died, including a child and that at least six others are injured.
Vancouver police have not yet confirmed the exact number of injuries, saying at a midnight press conference that it would be unfair to speculate because the victims had been taken to several hospitals in the region.
“It would be unfair, to the facts of the case and unfair for the families so that I disclose a number at this stage,” said the acting chief of the Vancouver police, Steve Rai. “Our thoughts are with all the people affected by this tragic incident,” they also said.
Witnesses describe a black Audi SUV crossing the crowd around 8 p.m., a 30 -year -old suspect, a man from Vancouver, was arrested on the scene.
Police said the suspect was known to them. Anyone with information is requested to call 604-717-2500.
A witness told Global News that he had seen several people be affected.
Vancouver police said the suspect approached the East 43rd Avenue festival and crossed the crowd.
The festival took place mainly in the field of a school located at 41st avenue and rue Fraser.
A festival told Global News that they had seen and heard a black car hitting the sellers with people shouting, shouting and crying to move away.
Another participant said that it was so scary to see and hear what had happened.
Lapu Lapu Day was officially declared in British Columbia on April 27, 2023.
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It is a festival to mark the lasting impact of the Philippine values, in particular the spirit of Bayanihan – the collective community effort – on the Vancouver community.
He recalls powerful that the lessons of history can fill the gaps, inspire unity and strengthen the links of communities, celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures that make up the beautiful mosaic of British Columbia and the Philippines.
The anchor of Global News, Jason Pires, was a ceremonial master of the event earlier on Saturday and he said that Eby and the deputies had attended the festival in the morning.
He said that a member of a member of the group The Black Eyed Peas had just ended when the fatal incident took place.
In a statement, the mayor of Vancouver, Ken Sim, said that he was shocked and saddened by “the horrible incident” during the Lapu Day event.
“We will work to provide more information as soon as possible, but for the moment, Vancouver police have confirmed that there were a number of deaths and multiple injuries,” said SIM.
“Our thoughts are with all the people affected and with the Philippine community of Vancouver during this incredibly difficult period.”
The leader of the Liberal Party, Mark Carney, stops his electoral campaign to express his condolences to the victims and their families after the tragedy of the Vancouver Festival killed 11 people and injured much more.
On Sunday morning, during a press conference, Carney expressed condolences. “Late last night, me and all the Canadians were shocked, devastated and broken,” he said. ” On an opportunity to bring together and celebrate the dynamism of the Filipino Canadian community … Nine people were killed and many others injured, “he added.
“An in -depth investigation is underway – we don’t think there is an active threat to Canadians.”
In a press release, the NDP chief Jagmeet Singh, who was at the festival earlier in the evening, said he was horrified to learn the incident.
The conservative chief Pierre Poilievre also expressed his shock in the face of what happened, thanking the first speakers for their service.
The Prime Minister of British Columbia, David Eby, also visited social networks to express his shock against what happened.
“Police investigates and a suspect is in detention,” said Eby.
“We are in contact with the city of Vancouver and will provide any necessary support. My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones.
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