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On Sunday morning, Vancouver police reported that 11 individuals lost their lives and many others sustained injuries when a man drove an SUV into attendees at the Lapu Lapu Day festival on Saturday night.
Interim Police Chief Const. Steve Rai indicated that the number of fatalities may increase in the upcoming days or weeks due to the severity of the injuries.
“This was a senseless, heartbreaking act of violence,” he stated. “It is the darkest day in our city’s history. The actions of a single person shattered our collective sense of safety.”
According to Rai, the suspect—currently in custody—drove through the crowd after approaching from East 43rd Avenue.
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The festival primarily took place on school grounds located at 41st Avenue and Fraser Street.
The driver, a 30-year-old resident of Vancouver, was the sole occupant of the vehicle. Rai noted that preliminary evidence does not suggest terrorism as a motive, though the underlying reason for the incident remains uncertain.
He further mentioned that the suspect has a notable history of police interactions related to mental health challenges. The suspect’s identity has not been disclosed as charges have yet to be filed.
Lapu Lapu Day was officially designated in British Columbia on April 27, 2023. This festival honors the significant influence of Filipino values, particularly the spirit of Bayanihan—a philosophy centered on community cooperation—on the city of Vancouver.
For further insights into crime and community matters, more updates will follow as the situation evolves.
Source
globalnews.ca