The Vancouver Police Department has reported that a tragic incident occurred during the Filipino Lapu Lapu Day street festival, where a vehicle plowed into a crowd of festival-goers shortly after 8 p.m. on Saturday. The collision resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, prompting a significant response from law enforcement and emergency services.
In a statement released on social media platform X, the Vancouver Police Department confirmed that the driver responsible for the incident is currently in custody. Officials have indicated that more details will be disclosed as the ongoing investigation continues to unfold.
The incident took place at East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street, where multiple police units and emergency crews converged on the scene. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the chaos unfolded rapidly, with one witness reporting that there were as many as 20 individuals injured in the incident.
According to testimonies from people present at the festival, including a parent whose daughter was operating a food truck at the event, the atmosphere changed drastically when a black SUV drove through the festival area, striking numerous attendees. The suddenness of the attack was marked by panic as screams erupted from the crowd, leading to confusion and fear.
Witnesses described scenes of horror, with multiple individuals reportedly receiving CPR as they lay on the ground. Some accounts indicate that the male driver attempted to exit the vehicle and flee the scene on foot. However, he was quickly apprehended by several bystanders who restrained him until law enforcement arrived.
Footage shared on social media captures the aftermath of the incident, depicting victims and debris scattered across a large stretch of the road. At least seven individuals were seen lying motionless on the ground, emphasizing the tragedy of the event.
Visual coverage from the scene shows a black SUV with significant damage to its front section, a stark reminder of the violent encounter. Authorities are expected to continue their investigation and gather more data from witnesses and nearby surveillance footage.
This event marks a devastating moment for the community, as families and friends of the victims come to terms with the implications of this tragic occurrence. The police urge anyone with further information to come forward to assist with the investigation.
