5-year-old among 11 dead in Vancouver Filipino fest tragedy

A five-year-old child was among the 11 people killed when a car plowed through a crowd at a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver over the weekend, in what police described as an unprecedented tragedy for the city.

Vancouver Police Department (VPD) spokesperson Sergeant Steve Addison confirmed in a press conference Tuesday (Manila time) that 11 people have died following the attack during the Lapu-Lapu Festival.

Seven others remain in critical condition in hospitals, while three are in serious condition. Authorities fear the number of victims could still rise as more injured individuals come forward.

“These are incredibly hard days for all of us," Addison said. "What has happened to us in Vancouver — something we’ve seen happen in other countries — has shaken our entire community to its core."

The suspect, identified as Kai-Ji Adam Lo, has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder. Addison said more charges are likely as the investigation progresses.

The suspect, who has a history of police and medical interactions related to mental health, had contact with authorities in a neighboring jurisdiction just a day before the attack. That encounter was not criminal in nature, police said.

According to the VPD, nine of the 11 fatalities are women, and two are men. Victims came from various communities across Metro Vancouver. Police said they are taking a “victim-centered, trauma-informed approach” and will release the names of the deceased in due time.

The motive behind the attack remains under investigation. Authorities have executed a search warrant at Lo's residence and continue to gather evidence.

Police have noted that Lo is the brother of Alexander Lo, who was murdered last year.

Members of the Filipino community in Vancouver remain on standby to assist victims and their families. Ting Caturla, a board member of the Pinoy Festival Alliance, said that few families of the victims have reached out so far.

"Sa ngayon, ‘yung mga biktima hindi pa halos nakipag-ugnayan samin," Caturla said in a radio interview. "Standby lang kami palagi dahil anytime nandiyan kami."

Caturla added that organizers across Canada are expected to tighten security measures at upcoming Filipino events in light of the tragedy.

The investigation into the incident is still ongoing.