Several people killed, others injured after vehicle drives into Vancouver street festival crowd
The city of Vancouver was rocked by tragedy on Saturday evening when a driver of a black SUV plowed into a crowd at a street festival, killing several people and injuring multiple others. The incident occurred near East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street during the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party.
Vancouver police have confirmed that the driver is in custody. Vancouver Coastal Health has also declared a “code orange,” indicating a mass casualty event. However, the exact number of injured or deceased individuals has not been confirmed as of late Saturday night.
Videos posted on social media captured the aftermath of the incident, showing emergency crews attending to the injured, with some people lying on the ground. The Vancouver Police Department has stated that more information will be released as the investigation progresses.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and horrific. Kris Pangilinan, a Toronto-based journalist who was attending the festival, recounted the moment when the driver accelerated into the crowd, likening it to a bowling ball striking bowling pins. Joshua Polintan expressed anger and disbelief at the senseless act.
The Lapu Lapu Day celebrations, which featured performances and vendors, had just concluded when the tragedy occurred. Filipino-American rapper Apl.de.ap had finished his set, and crews were in the process of dismantling the stage and stalls when the driver struck the crowd.
Political leaders, including NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, B.C. Premier David Eby, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and Liberal Leader Mark Carney, have expressed shock and sadness over the incident. Lapu Lapu Day is named after an Indigenous resistance fighter in the Philippines and celebrates Filipino values like bayanihan, the spirit of collective community effort.
The Lapu Lapu Day Block Party was meant to be a joyous occasion to commemorate Filipino culture and heritage. However, the tragic events that unfolded have left the community in mourning. As the investigation continues, the city of Vancouver and its residents are grappling with the senseless loss of life and the impact of this devastating incident.
