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Vancouver, British Columbia – A somber cloud hangs over Vancouver following a horrific incident at the Lapu Lapu Day festival on Saturday night, where a vehicle plowed into a crowd of jubilant attendees, leaving a trail of devastation and claiming the lives of eleven people. Among the deceased is a five-year-old girl, whose tender age underscores the profound tragedy that has befallen the community. The Vancouver Police Department has confirmed the arrest and subsequent charging of a 30-year-old Vancouver man, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, in connection with the mass-casualty event.
The incident unfolded at approximately 8:00 PM local time near Fraser Street and East 43rd Avenue, as crowds gathered to celebrate the vibrant Filipino cultural festival. Witnesses described a black SUV entering the closed street and accelerating into the throng of people, leaving behind a scene of chaos and despair. Bystanders bravely intervened to detain the driver until law enforcement arrived at the scene.
Interim Police Chief Steve Rai addressed the city, stating, "This was a senseless, heartbreaking act of violence. It is the darkest day in our city's history. The actions of a single person shattered our collective sense of safety." He further revealed that the individual in custody had a "significant history of interactions with police and healthcare professionals related to mental health," while assuring the public that the authorities do not believe the incident to be an act of terrorism.
The British Columbia Prosecution Service has formally charged Kai-Ji Adam Lo with eight counts of second-degree murder. During a court appearance on Sunday, Lo remained in custody, and authorities anticipate the possibility of additional charges as the investigation progresses and the conditions of the injured are assessed. The victims of this tragedy ranged in age from five to 65, reflecting the diverse cross-section of the community that had come together for the cultural celebration. Over twenty other individuals sustained injuries, some of whom remain in critical condition, raising concerns that the death toll may tragically rise.
In the aftermath of this devastating event, the Vancouver Police Department has established a 24-hour assistance center at the Douglas Park Community Centre, located at 801 West 22nd Avenue. This center serves as a crucial point of contact and support for anyone who has been unable to reach friends or family members who attended the festival. For those unable to attend in person, a dedicated victim-liaison officer can be reached at 604-717-3321.
The community is grappling with immense grief and shock as they come to terms with this unprecedented tragedy. A growing memorial has taken shape at the site of the incident, a testament to the collective sorrow and the desire to honor the lives that were so suddenly and violently lost. The festive atmosphere of Lapu Lapu Day has been replaced by mourning, as Vancouver residents seek solace and support in the face of this profound loss. The investigation remains active, with authorities working diligently to piece together the full circumstances of this horrific event and provide answers to a community in mourning.
Source@BBC