Driver Plows Into Vancouver Festival, Resulting in Nine Deaths
A driver struck a group at a Filipino festival in Vancouver, killing nine and injuring twenty. Authorities arrested a 30-year-old man as the suspect, ruling out terrorism. The incident has shocked the community, which was celebrating Lapu Lapu Day.
A tragic incident unfolded at a festival in Vancouver on Saturday evening, where a driver veered off course and struck a crowd of attendees at a Filipino community celebration. At least nine individuals lost their lives, and around twenty more sustained injuries, according to local law enforcement reports. This event has been classified as a “mass casualty incident” by the Vancouver Police Department.
The suspect, a 30-year-old male from Vancouver, was apprehended at the scene. Witnesses described the festival, named Lapu Lapu Day, as a joyful occasion celebrating Filipino heritage, which now has been marred by this devastating occurrence. Prime Minister Mark Carney referred to it as a “car-ramming attack”, emphasizing the tragedy of the event.
Investigators swiftly ruled out terrorism as a motive for this act. In an official email, the Vancouver police stated that there is no ongoing threat to the public, which has brought some relief amidst the shock. Photos from the scene depict a black SUV with considerable front-end damage and airbags deployed, suggesting a significant impact.
The mishap occurred around 8:14 p.m. local time near East 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street, right where the Lapu Lapu Day Festival was underway. This annual event honors Datu Lapu Lapu, a celebrated figure in Philippine history, and attracts large crowds each year. The police are continuing their investigations to uncover more details about the incident and the driver’s intentions.
The devastation in Vancouver marks a significant tragedy, claiming at least nine lives and injuring twenty more at a festive community gathering. Authorities have ruled out terrorism, ensuring the public that there is no active threat. As investigations proceed, the community mourns the loss of life at what should have been a joyful celebration of Filipino heritage.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
