A devastating incident occurred at a street festival in Vancouver, Canada, leaving at least nine people dead and over 20 injured after a mass vehicular attack. This tragic event was confirmed by local law enforcement.
Authorities stated that the massacre took place at approximately 8:14 p.m. on Saturday. The suspect, a 30-year-old man, has been apprehended, and the Vancouver Police Department expressed confidence that this was not a terrorist act.
According to media outlets citing police sources, the suspect drove into pedestrians at the annual Lapu Lapu festival, which celebrates Filipino culture, located at East 43rd Avenue and Fraser in the southern part of the city. An investigation is currently underway to uncover more details about the incident.
In a press briefing, Steve Rai, the interim chief of the Vancouver Police, mentioned that both a vehicle and a suspect were involved in this tragic event. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that the police had described it as a "car bomb attack."
Images from the scene showed numerous police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks, with injured individuals lying on the ground. Following the incident, Carney altered his campaign schedule for Sunday, less than 24 hours before the national elections, to express his condolences.
"I am heartbroken to learn of the terrible events that occurred tonight at Vancouver's Lapu Lapu festival. I offer my deepest sympathies to the loved ones of those killed and injured, to the Filipino-Canadian community, and to all Vancouver residents. We are all mourning with you," stated Carney, leader of the Liberal Party.
Peter Fry, a Vancouver city councilor, told the BBC that local residents were struggling to comprehend the tragedy. "This celebration was a huge, fun, vibrant, and family-friendly street party, and it was a fantastic event. I think the entire city is shocked to see it turn so horrific so quickly and unexpectedly," he remarked.
FAQs About the Vancouver Festival Tragedy
What happened at the Vancouver festival?
A mass vehicular attack occurred at a street festival in Vancouver, leading to the deaths of at least nine people and injuring over 20 others.
Who is the suspect in the Vancouver incident?
The suspect is a 30-year-old man who has been detained by the Vancouver Police Department. Authorities are investigating the incident further.
Was the Vancouver attack considered an act of terrorism?
The Vancouver Police Department has stated that they are confident the attack was not an act of terrorism.