Photo credit: www.yahoo.com
VANCOUVER (AP) — A tragic incident occurred during a street festival in Canada, when a car drove into a crowd, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries among attendees celebrating Filipino culture, according to police reports.
The vehicle entered the festival area around 8:14 p.m. on Saturday, during the Lapu Lapu Day celebrations, as stated by the Vancouver Police Department in a social media update.
Authorities mentioned that “a number of people have been killed,” with additional individuals suffering injuries, although the precise tally was not immediately available.
A 30-year-old man from Vancouver was taken into custody at the site, while the department’s Major Crime Section has launched an investigation.
In a statement released early Sunday, police indicated they are fairly certain that the incident does not qualify as a terrorist act.
The festival took place in a neighborhood in South Vancouver. Social media footage revealed scenes of chaos, with victims and debris scattered along a lengthy stretch of road. At least seven individuals were seen incapacitated, and a black SUV with extensive front-end damage was visible in photos from the scene.
James Cruzat, a local business owner, was present at the event and recounted hearing the car rev its engine followed by what sounded like a loud bang, initially misinterpreted as a gunshot.
“We witnessed people crying, and others were running, shouting, or screaming for help. We rushed to see what was happening and found several bodies on the ground, some deceased and others injured,” Cruzat described.
“It was horrifying to witness such an incident. It’s heartbreaking. I never imagined this could happen in real life; it’s something we usually see on TV or in movies. Experiencing it firsthand was shocking and overwhelming,” he reflected.
Vancouver’s Mayor Kenneth Sim expressed his concern via social media, promising to provide updates as they become available.
“I am devastated and deeply saddened by the terrible events that unfolded at today’s Lapu Lapu Day event,” Sim stated. “Our thoughts are with all those affected and with the Filipino community in Vancouver during this challenging time.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney and other Canadian politicians took to social media to share their condolences and support for the affected community.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and to those injured, as well as to the Filipino Canadian community and all residents of Vancouver. We grieve with you,” Carney expressed.
Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party and a previous attendee at the festival, noted, “As we await further information, our thoughts remain with the victims and their families, as well as Vancouver’s Filipino community, who were celebrating resilience today.”
Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre conveyed, “My thoughts are with the Filipino community and victims of this senseless act. I thank the first responders who are currently managing the situation as we seek more information.”
David Eby, Premier of British Columbia, expressed his shock and sorrow, stating, “We remain in contact with the City of Vancouver and are prepared to provide any necessary support.”
Source
www.yahoo.com