5-year-old among 11 killed in Vancouver fest tragedy

A five-year-old child was among the 11 people killed when an SUV plowed into a crowd at a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, Canada last weekend — a tragedy police are calling one of the worst the city has ever seen.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday (Manila time), Vancouver Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Steve Addison confirmed that 11 people had died in the attack at the Lapu-Lapu Festival.

Seven others remain in critical condition, while three more are in serious condition in local hospitals. Authorities fear the number may rise as more victims come forward.

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

The driver, identified as Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder, with more charges expected as the investigation continues.

Addison said Lo had previous police and medical interactions related to mental health issues, including contact with authorities in a neighboring jurisdiction one day before the tragedy. That encounter, however, was not considered criminal.

Police said nine of the 11 fatalities were women. The victims were from various communities across Metro Vancouver.

Authorities 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 unclear. Investigators have searched Lo’s residence and are continuing to gather evidence. Authorities also noted that Lo is the brother of Alexander Lo, who was murdered last year.