Photo courtesy of Canadian Press
Report: SUV sent people ‘flying’ in Vancouver tragedy
MANILA – Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney assured authorities are “monitoring the situation closely” as reports remained vague on the actual number of fatalities and injured at the “Lapu Lapu Day ‘25 Block Party” that ended in tragedy in Vancouver on Saturday night (Sunday afternoon in PH).
A sports utility vehicle (SUV) drove into a crowd of people near Fraser Street and 43rd Avenue around 8 p.m., sending “people flying,” according to local reports.
“I am devastated to hear about the horrific events at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver earlier this evening. I offer my deepest condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured, to the Filipino Canadian community, and to everyone in Vancouver,” Carney posted on Facebook.
“We are all mourning with you. We are monitoring the situation closely, and thankful to our first responders for their swift action.”
The Embassy of Canada in the Philippines likewise said it is “devastated and heartbroken by the terrible tragedy.”
We offer our deepest condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured and we join the Filipino-Canadian community in their time of grief,” the embassy posted on social media.
“The event was coming to a close, with many lingering after a concert, when a vehicle suddenly drove into a pedestrian-only area along 43rd Avenue near Fraser Street, revving past food trucks and striking a number of festival goers,” the Vancouver Sun wrote.
The 30-year-old male “Vancouver man” was arrested at the scene, the police said.
Interim police Chief Steve Rai said in a midnight news briefing that bystanders held the suspect before police arrived, according to CBC Canada.
“The show was wrapping up, and the festival’s main act — Filipino-American rapper Apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas — had already finished his set,” CBC reported after an interview with Kris Pangilinan, a Toronto-based journalist.
“It’s something you don’t expect to see in your lifetime,” he told CBC’s Stephen Quinn.
Abigail Andiso told the Vancouver Sun that she heard “two loud bangs, then screaming and yelling” and saw people running toward East 43rd Avenue, which was lined with food trucks and stalls.
“There were bodies on the street. They were run over. Some were already dead on the spot,” Andiso, who called 911, said.
Organizer Filipino BC posted on Instagram that it was devastated by the tragedy.
“We are still finding the words to express the deep heartbreak brought on by this senseless tragedy. We are devastated for the families and victims,” the post read. Philippine News Agency
