Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his deepest condolences to Canada following a horrific incident at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver on Saturday night. A man drove a car into a crowd of festival-goers, resulting in nine deaths and several injuries, leaving the community and the country in shock.
“Heartbreaking tragedy at Vancouver’s Filipino festival, where a man drove a car into the crowd, killing and injuring innocent people. On this sad day, Ukrainians deeply share the pain of Canadians, Vancouver residents, and the Canadian Filipino community,” Zelenskyy wrote on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday.
“We offer our condolences to the victims’ families, and we wish the injured a speedy recovery. Stay strong, our friends in Canada and the Philippines,” he added.
What Happened at the Lapu Lapu Festival?
The incident occurred during the Lapu Lapu Day Festival, a celebration organized by British Columbia’s Filipino community. The festival, which honors Lapu Lapu, an indigenous leader who fought against Spanish colonization, was a joyful occasion with food trucks, traditional Filipino dance performances, and a sense of cultural pride. However, it ended in tragedy when a car sped into the crowd at around 8:14 PM on April 26.
Vancouver Police confirmed that a 30-year-old man, known to authorities in certain circumstances, was arrested at the scene. The suspect was identified as a Vancouver resident. Police assured the public that they do not believe the incident was an act of terrorism, though they are exploring whether mental health issues played a role.
One witness described the scene as “a war zone” as emergency responders rushed to the site and some festival-goers helped detain the suspect.
Investigation Underway
The investigation is being led by Vancouver Police’s Major Crime Section. Police are urging anyone with additional information to come forward. Vancouver Police interim chief Steve Rai confirmed that the suspect acted alone, with one vehicle involved in the incident.
“We can confirm nine people have died, and our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic incident,” Vancouver Police said in a statement.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to piece together the motive behind the incident and whether mental health issues contributed to the tragedy. The community remains in shock as they mourn the loss of innocent lives at a festival meant to celebrate culture and unity.
Conclusion: A Community in Grief
The Lapu Lapu Festival tragedy is a somber reminder of how quickly joyous occasions can turn into heartbreaking events. As the investigation unfolds, the people of Vancouver, the Filipino community, and the world continue to mourn the victims, with Zelenskyy’s message of solidarity offering some comfort in this difficult time.
