A horrific tragedy struck Vancouver as an SUV plowed into a crowd celebrating the Lapu Lapu Festival, leaving at least 11 people dead and several others injured. 
The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) confirmed that the suspect, 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo, has been charged with murder, with additional charges anticipated.
The black Audi SUV rammed into festivalgoers gathered in Vancouver&rsquo;s Sunset on Fraser neighbourhood shortly after 8 pm (Indian time) on Sunday. Victims ranged in age from 5 to 65 years old. Over two dozen others sustained injuries during the rampage.
&ldquo;Our hearts are with all the victims, their loved ones, and everyone impacted by this act of violence. This is the darkest day in our city&rsquo;s history,&rdquo; the Vancouver Police said in a statement.
Lo, a Vancouver resident, was arrested at the scene after bystanders intervened to detain him. He appeared in court and remains in custody. Interim Vancouver Police Chief Steve Rai revealed that Lo has a significant history of interactions with police and mental health care professionals. However, authorities ruled out terrorism as a motive.
The Lapu Lapu Festival, named after Filipino anti-colonial hero Lapulapu, is an important cultural celebration among Vancouver&rsquo;s Filipino community. The day featured parades, dance performances, film screenings, and concerts, including artists linked to the Black Eyed Peas.
Eyewitness accounts paint a grim picture of the aftermath. Festival security guard Jen Idaba-Castaneto described seeing &ldquo;bodies everywhere,&rdquo; while Dale Selipe recalled injured children and adults lying on the streets, many needing urgent help.
Police have set up a 24-hour assistance centre at Douglas Park Community Centre to support those seeking missing friends or relatives. Investigators have urged witnesses and bystanders to share any photos or videos of the incident through an online portal.
The attack comes as Canadians prepare to vote in a closely watched general election. Prime Minister Mark Carney, visibly emotional, addressed the nation, saying, &ldquo;Last night, families lost a sister, a brother, a mother, a father, a son, or a daughter. Those families are living every family&rsquo;s nightmare.&rdquo;
Global leaders expressed condolences. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos said he was &ldquo;completely shattered&rdquo; by the news, while Britain&rsquo;s King Charles III stated he was &ldquo;profoundly saddened&rdquo; by the loss of life.
The Filipino community in Vancouver &mdash; one of the largest in Canada &mdash; is mourning the devastating incident during what should have been a joyous occasion.
(with inputs from IANS) <a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb34ERXCnA7lrMp57S3N" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Follow the Benefit News channel on WhatsApp</a>

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30-year-old suspect charged with murder for plowing SUV into crowd during Lapu Lapu festival

April 28, 2025 | 11:56 IST