A street festival in Vancouver turned tragic on Saturday evening when a vehicle ploughed into a crowd, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries, according to local police reports.
In an official statement, Vancouver Police confirmed, “A number of people have been killed and multiple others are injured. The driver is currently in custody.”
Eyewitness accounts described scenes of chaos and devastation. Speaking to CTV News, a witness reported seeing a black vehicle driving erratically near the festival site moments before the collision. The Vancouver Sun noted that thousands had gathered in the area for the event.
“I didn’t see the driver — all I heard was an engine revving,” recounted Yoseb Vardeh, a food truck operator, in an emotional interview with Postmedia. “When I got outside my food truck and looked down the street, there were bodies everywhere. He went through the whole block, right down the middle.”
The incident occurred shortly after 8:00 p.m. near East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street, where members of Vancouver’s Filipino community had assembled to celebrate Lapu Lapu Day, a festival honouring a revered 16th-century Filipino anti-colonial leader.
Mayor Ken Sim expressed his condolences in a public statement, saying, “Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver’s Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also issued a message of solidarity: “I am devastated to hear about the horrific events at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver earlier this evening. We are all mourning with you.”
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the incident, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
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