Accident Vancouver Tragedy: Nine Killed as Vehicle Plows into Lapu Lapu Day Festival

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In a tragic event at the Lapu Lapu Day Festival in Vancouver, Canada, nine people lost their lives after a speeding vehicle struck attendees of the street party. The Vancouver Police Department confirmed the incident was not an act of terrorism.

 

The collision occurred at 8:14 p.m. on Saturday, as the festive gathering celebrated Filipino culture in a South Vancouver neighborhood. Several others were injured, adding to the devastating impact of the crash.

 

A 30-year-old Vancouver man was arrested at the scene, with the major crime section of the police leading the investigation. Video shared on social media depicted a chaotic aftermath, with victims and debris scattered along the street, and a black SUV with substantial front damage present.

 

Eyewitness accounts, such as those from Vancouver business owner James Cruzat and Dale Selipe, highlighted the sudden and tragic nature of the event. Cruzat described the moment as heartbreaking, likening it to scenes typically witnessed in fiction rather than reality.

 

 

 

Images shared by Canadian media showed emergency response teams actively working amidst large crowds that had gathered for the festival earlier that day. Witness accounts painted a picture of panic and devastation, with festival security noting the overwhelming number of injured and deceased.

 

In the wake of the tragedy, Vancouver Mayor Kenneth Sim and Canadian leaders, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, expressed their condolences to the victims, their families, and Vancouver's Filipino community. The Canadian government signaled its commitment to a thorough investigation, while community leaders emphasized the need for resilience and support.

 

The Philippine government also responded, opening a hotline for affected individuals and maintaining communication with Canadian authorities to assist in the investigation. President Marcos conveyed deep sympathies, committing to collaborative efforts with Canada to ensure a thorough probe.

 

The incident has drawn attention to a harsh reality intersecting joyful celebrations, as communities strive to process the tragedy and seek justice and healing amidst such an unfortunate event.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from PhilStar 2025-04-28