9 dead in Vancouver ‘Lapu Lapu’ street festival

By Philippine News Agency

MANILA – Nine people are confirmed dead in the “Lapu Lapu Day ‘25 Block Party” in Vancouver, Canada on Saturday night (Sunday afternoon in PH) after a sports utility vehicle (SUV) plowed into the street celebration.

“As of now, we can confirm nine people have died after a man drove through a crowd at last night’s Lapu Lapu Festival. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic incident,” the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) said, as reported by CNN.

The crowd held the 30-year-old male driver of the black SUV until the police arrived.

Law enforcement could not give a motive yet but said they are “confident” it was not an act of terrorism. Mental health issues are also being looked into.

Vancouver Police interim chief Steve Rai told reporters in a press briefing there was only “one suspect, one vehicle.”

The police report said at “approximately 8:14 p.m. on April 26, a man drove into a large crowd of people attending the Lapu Lapu Day Festival near East 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street.”

Organizer Filipino BC said it is “still finding the words to express the deep heartbreak brought on by this senseless tragedy.”

“We are devastated for the families and victims. We encourage everyone to check in, support and hold each other.

Do not hesitate to access resources available. You are not alone,” the group said in a statement on social media.

The group said it will not be taking media requests as it is focused on supporting the community.

“We also want to make it clear that we discourage the viewing and sharing of the videos that are currently circulating of the tragedy,” the Filipino BC said.

The VPD said a 24-hour assistance center has been established at Douglas Park Community Centre on 801 West 22nd Avenue.

Officers and victim services professionals have been deployed to help anyone who has not been able to contact a loved one who was at the festival.

“If you are not able to attend in person, please call 604-717-3321,” the VPD said.