On Saturday evening, a celebratory street festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, honoring the Filipino community, turned tragic when a vehicle drove into a large crowd, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries, confirmed local law enforcement. The chaotic scene unfolded during the Lapu Lapu Day festival, which seeks to celebrate Filipino culture and history, just shortly after 8 p.m.
Tragedy Strikes Vancouver's Lapu Lapu Day Festival as Vehicle Collides with Crowd
Tragedy Strikes Vancouver's Lapu Lapu Day Festival as Vehicle Collides with Crowd
A devastating incident at a cultural festival leaves multiple casualties and prompts an urgent response from authorities.
The driver, identified as a 30-year-old man, has been detained by authorities, though police have not yet disclosed his motive for the attack or provided specific numbers regarding the casualties. Initial reports indicate that the situation was dire, with emergency services rushing to the scene as video footage captured ambulances and police vehicles surrounding the area.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim expressed his shock and sorrow over the tragic event, labeling it horrific. In response to the carnage, Prime Minister Mark Carney shared his condolences via social media, offering support to the families affected and the entire Filipino Canadian community.
Lapu Lapu Day, which was first proclaimed in April 2023, pays homage to Datu Lapu-Lapu, a historical Filipino figure who stands as a national hero for resisting colonization in the 1500s. The festival saw an estimated turnout of 100,000 attendees, celebrating Filipino culture amidst a vibrant atmosphere. The Filipino community in Canada numbers nearly one million, with a significant population located in British Columbia, representing close to 20% of that demographic.
Jin Yu Young reports on South Korea, the Asia Pacific region and global breaking news from Seoul.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim expressed his shock and sorrow over the tragic event, labeling it horrific. In response to the carnage, Prime Minister Mark Carney shared his condolences via social media, offering support to the families affected and the entire Filipino Canadian community.
Lapu Lapu Day, which was first proclaimed in April 2023, pays homage to Datu Lapu-Lapu, a historical Filipino figure who stands as a national hero for resisting colonization in the 1500s. The festival saw an estimated turnout of 100,000 attendees, celebrating Filipino culture amidst a vibrant atmosphere. The Filipino community in Canada numbers nearly one million, with a significant population located in British Columbia, representing close to 20% of that demographic.
Jin Yu Young reports on South Korea, the Asia Pacific region and global breaking news from Seoul.
