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Tragedy at Vancouver Filipino Festival: Multiple Dead After Vehicle Incident

Vancouver, BC – A festive day turned into a scene of horror and heartbreak today as a vehicle plowed through a crowd gathered at a Filipino cultural festival in downtown Vancouver, resulting in multiple fatalities and numerous injuries. Vancouver Police confirmed the tragic incident during an emergency press briefing held late in the afternoon.

The event, which was meant to celebrate Filipino heritage with colorful parades, traditional music, dancing, and food, was attended by hundreds of people, including families with children. Witnesses described the atmosphere as joyful and vibrant before chaos struck just after 2 p.m. local time.

According to authorities, a vehicle, described as a dark-colored SUV, suddenly accelerated through barricades and into the gathered crowd along Granville Street, where festival activities were in full swing. Initial reports suggest that the driver appeared to lose control, but police have not yet ruled out the possibility of intentional action or mechanical failure.

Emergency responders arrived on the scene within minutes. Despite their efforts, several individuals were pronounced dead at the scene, and many others were rushed to nearby hospitals with critical injuries. The exact number of casualties has yet to be finalized, as families are still being notified, and the situation remains fluid.

“This is an unthinkable tragedy on what was supposed to be a joyful day,” said Chief Constable Adam Palmer of the Vancouver Police Department. “Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the Filipino community, which has been deeply shaken by this horrific event.”

Festival organizers issued a heartfelt statement expressing their devastation over the tragedy:
“Today, we mourn alongside the families who lost their loved ones. The Filipino Festival has always been a celebration of life, culture, and community spirit. We are heartbroken beyond words.”

Authorities have detained the driver, who sustained minor injuries during the incident. As of now, police have not released the driver’s identity or commented on potential motives. Investigators are treating the area as an active crime scene and are calling on witnesses and anyone with video footage to come forward.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also addressed the incident, offering condolences to those affected:
“The hearts of all Canadians are with the victims of today’s tragedy in Vancouver. We stand with the Filipino community and everyone grieving this terrible loss.”

Counseling services are being made available to witnesses and community members, and a candlelight vigil is being organized at St. Patrick’s Church in Vancouver for later this evening.

The Vancouver Filipino Festival, held annually, is one of the largest cultural gatherings in the city, drawing participants and visitors from across the region. This year’s event was particularly significant as it marked the first full-scale celebration since the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the investigation continues, Vancouver Police have promised to keep the public informed with regular updates. Meanwhile, an outpouring of grief, shock, and support has flooded social media, with many using the hashtag #VancouverFilipinoFestival to share memories, condolences, and calls for solidarity.

This tragedy has left a profound scar on the city and especially on its vibrant Filipino community, a reminder of how quickly moments of joy can be turned into scenes of sorrow. Vancouver stands united today in mourning — and in the hope for healing and justice.

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