Vancouver Lapu Lapu festival tragedy: Eyewitness recounts horror, ‘bodies everywhere, lady with eyes staring’|10 updates

Vancouver Filipino festival incident: Vancouver's Lapu Lapu festival turned into a tragedy on April 27, when a car ploughed into a crowd, resulting in at least 11 deaths and injuring dozens more. 

According to the police, the incident occurred shortly after 8 pm (local time) near E. 41st Avenue and Fraser, where Filipino members had gathered to celebrate. 

The driver, identified as 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo, was arrested at the scene and has been charged with multiple counts of second-degree murder.

“A number of people have been killed and multiple others are injured after a driver drove into a crowd at a street festival at E. 41st Avenue and Fraser shortly after 8 p.m. tonight. The driver is in custody. We will provide more information as the investigation unfolds,” the Vancouver police said on X.

Eyewitnesses described horrifying scenes, with one recalling "bodies everywhere" and "a lady with her eyes staring up."

Canada Lapu Lapu festival: Top 10 updates

1. Local media cited eyewitnesses saying that a black SUV sped through the festival, striking several people as it moved through the crowd. They described the driver as a young Asian man who appeared to have mental health challenges.
2. Videos surface on social media show bodies lying on the street post the car attack, as emergency crews rushed to rescue those alive. 

3. Canada PM Mark Carney extended his condolences to those killed. He assured the federal government’s full support after speaking to Mayor Sim.

He said, “I spoke with Mayor Sim this afternoon following the attack at last night's Lapu Lapu festival. I offered my condolences and the federal government’s full support. We will be there for the people of Vancouver and the Filipino-Canadian community as you heal from this tragedy.”

4. Attendees shared their shocking experiences. “We’re all OK physically, but honestly, I’m still very shaken up. I’m in shock and have been experiencing panic attacks after witnessing everything that happened,” Jen Idaba-Castaneto, one of those who took part in the festival, told Glacier Media.

5. The Vancouver police ruled out an act of terrorism. “At this time, we are confident that this incident was not an act of terrorism,” it posted.

6. According to the police, the suspect, identified as Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, of Vancouver, was charged with eight counts of second-degree murder, with more charges anticipated.

7. Eyewitness Dale Selipe shared with the Vancouver Sun that she observed injured children on the street after the vehicle crashed into the crowd. 

She said, “There was a lady with her eyes staring up, one of her legs was already broken. One person was holding her hand, trying to comfort her.” 

Festival security guard Jen Idaba-Castaneto informed a local news site that she saw bodies everywhere. "You don't know who to help, here or there," she stated.

8. The police arrested Lo, and he was charged in court. Authorities termed Lo as having had a "significant history" of interactions with authorities, including mental health.

9. Police stated two dozen people were injured, some critically, and said the death toll could increase in the coming days and weeks, Bloomberg reported.

10. Vancouver Police Department (VPD) has set up a 24-hour assistance centre at the Douglas Park Community Centre, 801 West 22nd Avenue. 

It said, “Anyone who cannot attend in person can call 604-717-3321 to speak with a victim-liaison officer. Witnesses who have not yet come forward are asked to contact the Vancouver Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 604-717-2500 and speak with investigators.”

Know about Lapu Lapu festival

The festival honours the Filipino anti-colonial leader from the 16th century, Lapu Lapu. This year, it coincided with the weekend before Canada's election. The event included a parade, a film screening, dancing, and a concert, with two members of the Black Eyed Peas listed among the performers, according to the organisers.

Lapu Lapu Day is observed in the Philippines to commemorate the indigenous chief who led his forces to defeat Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in battle in 1521.