Eleven dead, over 20 hurt at Filipino fest in Vancouver

Eleven individuals, aged five to 65, were confirmed dead, and more than 20 others were injured during the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival incident in Vancouver, according to the Vancouver Police Department (VPD).

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), the VPD said the British Columbia Prosecution Service has charged the 30-year-old suspect, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, with eight counts of second-degree murder.

The suspect plowed a black SUV into the Fraser neighborhood during the gathering of the Filipino community in celebration of Lapu-Lapu Day. He was arrested at the scene after bystanders and witnesses intervened to detain him.

“Lo, a Vancouver resident, has appeared in court and remains in custody. The charge assessment is ongoing, and further charges are anticipated,” said the VPD. VPD Police Interim Chief Steve Rai also added that Lo has a significant history of interactions with police and health care professionals related to mental health.

As of Sunday evening, some victims have yet to be identified, and authorities have not released any names.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said Monday that there are no confirmed figures yet regarding Filipino casualties.

“Rest assured, the DMW, through its Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Vancouver, is now in close coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs through the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver, as well as Canadian authorities, to monitor the situation and well-being of the victims and their families,” the agency said.

However, Filipino Community Leader in Canada, Ting Caturla, said in a televised interview that the majority of the victims were Filipinos. She also noted that the 20 injured individuals are currently being treated in nine different hospitals.

“The number of casualties could still rise because some are in critical condition,” Caturla said, adding that a toddler was among those involved, though further details have yet to be confirmed.