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Tragedy strikes Vancouver street festival as vehicle plows into crowd

Ayer 07:38

A devastating incident occurred at a Vancouver street festival on Saturday evening when a vehicle rammed into a crowd, killing several people and injuring many others.

Authorities reported that a 30-year-old man, already known to police, was arrested at the scene after the crash at the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party, held near 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street. Named after a Filipino national hero, the event drew thousands of attendees.

Videos shared online showed bodies and debris scattered across the street, while photos captured a black SUV with significant front-end damage.

Eyewitnesses described the horrifying moment. Yoseb Vardeh, co-owner of the Bao Buns food truck, said he heard an engine revving before stepping outside to find "bodies everywhere." He noted that the driver sped straight through the block, leaving chaos behind.

Canadian leaders quickly reacted to the tragedy. Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his heartbreak and extended condolences to the victims, the Filipino Canadian community, and all of Vancouver. New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh, who had been at the event shortly before the incident, voiced his deep sorrow, recalling the joyful faces he had seen minutes earlier.

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim and British Columbia Premier David Eby also issued statements expressing grief and solidarity. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre sent his sympathies to the Filipino community and all those affected by what he called a "senseless attack."

The tragedy comes just as Canada prepares for national elections on Monday.

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