'Bodies everywhere': At least 11 killed, many injured after vehicle driven into crowd in Vancouver
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Content warning: This article contains graphic descriptions of violence and injury. Those who have experienced trauma can contact VictimLinkBC by phone or text at 1-800-563-0808 or by email at 211-VictimLinkBC@uwbc.ca for immediate crisis support and resources. VictimLinkBC is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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A joyous celebration of Filipino culture ended in death and devastation Saturday after a speeding SUV plowed into a crowd at Lapu Lapu Day in Vancouver, killing at least 11 people and injuring many more.
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The event was coming to a close around 8:14 p.m., with people lingering after a concert, when a vehicle suddenly drove into a pedestrian-only area along 43rd Avenue near Fraser Street, speeding past food trucks and striking a number of festival participants.
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Vancouver police confirmed that a 30-year-old Vancouver man was arrested at the scene and remains in custody. While an investigation is still underway, police have said they 'are confident that this was not an act of terrorism.'
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Abigail Andiso was with friends nearby when she heard two loud bangs, then screaming and yelling. They ran toward East 43rd Avenue, which was lined with food trucks and stalls, and saw a scene of carnage.
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'There were bodies on the street. They were run over. Some were already dead on the spot,' said Andiso, who called 911.
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Dale Selipe, who was with Andiso, saw a toddler injured and another child with an open scalp wound. Many of the bodies were twisted grotesquely.
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'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,' she recounted.
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Late Saturday, police confirmed at a news conference that a 30-year-old Vancouver man who was known to police 'in certain circumstances' had been arrested, after bystanders at the festival held him until officers arrived.
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Health officials confirmed overnight that at least 26 individuals were taken to hospital with injuries. As of Sunday morning, the status of those 26 patients was unknown.
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The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Police spokesman Sgt. Steve Addison acknowledged some people may be feeling anxious about public safety given Thursday night's car-ramming incident at the Pacific Coliseum during a Cirque du Soleil show and the vehicle attack at the Lapu Lapu Day festival in east Vancouver on April 26 that killed 11. But he reassured people that police will be out in full force this with an additional 300 officers deployed from Friday to Sunday. 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