Scores were killed and several others injured as a driver rammed a car into a crowd celebrating Filipino Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver, Canada.
This year’s Lapu Lapu festival, a commemoration of Filipino anti-colonial leader, turned bloody due to the incident.
Vancouver Police confirmed this incident in a statement posted on X on Sunday, announcing arrest of the driver.
The police said, “A number of people have been killed and multiple others are injured after a driver drove into a crowd at a street festival at E. 41st Avenue and Fraser shortly after 8 p.m. tonight. The driver is in custody. We will provide more information as the investigation unfolds.”
The prime minister of Canada, Mark Carney, has commiserated with victims of the incident in a post on X, adding “We are monitoring the situation closely, and thankful to our first responders for their swift action.
“I am devastated to hear about the horrific events at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver earlier this evening. I offer my deepest condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured, to the Filipino Canadian community, and to everyone in Vancouver. We are all mourning with you.”
Vancouver’s Mayor, Ken Sim, also said, “I am shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific incident at today’s Lapu Lapu Day event.
“Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver’s Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time.”
