Several were killed at a Filipino Festival in Canada
Lapu-Lapu Festival, a Filipino festival in Vancouver, Canada turned tragic after a driver plowed the crowd, around 8 PM (Canada time).
In other countries, Filipino communities would have events and festivals to gather and celebrate certain occasions. With this, the culture in the Philippines is brought to other countries.
The supposed festive atmosphere in Vancouver for the Lapu-Lapu Festival was not sustained as a tragic incident happened, based on the article in ABS-CBN News.
A few moments after Blackeyed Peas’ Apl.de.ap performed, an unexpected incident took place. There were still festival-goers at that time at the venue. United Filipino Canadian Associations in British Columbia (UFCABC) representative Clidd Belgica shared that there were still a lot of people lined up at food trucks along the block at that time.
No one expected that a car would plow through 43rd Avenue near Fraser Street in Vancouver. Kris Pangilinan witnessed a volunteer lift the barrier and the car slowly coming in. This car sideswiped a male festival-goer and picked up speed, then, plowed through the crowd.
“A suspect has been arrested by Vancouver Police after several people were killed and multiple others injured at a neighborhood street party in South Vancouver earlier tonight,” the Vancouver Police Department stated in a social media post.
The investigation led by VPD’s Major Crime Section is now underway. A 30-year-old male suspect was arrested at the scene. The male driver is the lone suspect.
The police stressed that at the moment, they are confident that this is not an incident of terrorism.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim said in a social media post that they will work to provide more information as soon as they can. The Mayor also shared that the Vancouver Police Department has confirmed that there are a number of fatalities and multiple injuries.
“Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver’s Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time,” Sim said.
Prime Minister Marc Carney extended his condolences to the victims’ families and to the Filipino Canadian community, as well as to the residents of Vancouver. “We are all mourning with you,” the Prime Minister said.
He added that they are monitoring the situation. Carney also thanked the first responders for quickly doing what they needed to do.