Death toll in Vancouver festival incident rises to 11: Police
At least 11 people were killed and several others injured after a driver rammed a car into a crowd celebrating the Filipino Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, Canada.
Vancouver police, in a press conference on Sunday, announced the number of casualties, which included women, men, and children.
“Eleven people have now died as a result of the mass-casualty event at the Lapu Lapu Day Festival,” Acting Police Chief Steve Rai said, warning the death toll could rise.
“Our hearts are with all of the victims, their loved ones, and everyone who has been impacted by this act of violence.”
The police described the incident as “the darkest day in our city’s history,” but said they do not believe it was an “act of terrorism.”
This year’s Lapu Lapu Festival, a commemoration of the Filipino anti-colonial leader, turned bloody due to the tragic incident.
The Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, commiserated with the victims in a post on X.
“I am devastated to hear about the horrific events at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver earlier this evening,” Mr Carney said.
He added, “I offer my deepest condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured, to the Filipino Canadian community, and to everyone in Vancouver. We are all mourning with you.”
Similarly, Ken Sim, Vancouver’s mayor, said: “I am shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific incident at today’s Lapu Lapu Day event.”
“Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver’s Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time,” Mr Sim said.
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