Several people have died, and many others have been injured after a vehicle collided with a crowd at a Filipino street festival in Vancouver, Canada. The incident occurred on Saturday evening in the Sunset on Fraser neighbourhood.
Driver arrested following the festival crash
Police arrested the driver, a 30-year-old man, shortly after the collision. The crash took place around 8 pm (03:00 GMT Sunday) when the vehicle drove into the crowd.
A witness described seeing a black vehicle driving erratically just before the crash. Meanwhile, social media footage captured the chaotic scene, showing first responders assisting the injured and bystanders helping where they could.
Victims rushed to hospitals for treatment
Victims were immediately taken to several nearby hospitals. Medical staff had been alerted to expect a mass casualty situation. At the time of the incident, thousands of people were gathered at the festival, as reported by The Vancouver Sun.
Yoseb Vardeh, a local food truck owner, recalled his experience: “I didn’t see the driver, but I heard the engine rev,” he said in an interview with Postmedia. “When I stepped outside, I saw bodies everywhere. The car drove down the middle of the block.”
Local and national leaders offer condolences
Vancouver’s Mayor, Ken Sim, expressed his sorrow, stating, “I am deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic event at today’s Lapu Lapu Day celebration.” The festival commemorates a 16th-century Filipino anti-colonial leader.
Prime Minister Mark Carney also conveyed his condolences, calling the incident devastating. He offered sympathy to the victims and their families, saying, “We are closely monitoring the investigation.”
Canada is preparing for a federal election on Monday.
