Vancouver death toll may climb

The death toll from the devastating crash at the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival in Vancouver may still climb, with over 20 people currently hospitalized, some in critical condition.

Speaking on Usapang OFW, Daily Tribune’s digital program, Filipino community leader Ting Caturla confirmed that 11 people have died while 27 others are being treated in various hospitals.

“They’re still recovering, some are in very serious condition,” Caturla said. “Authorities say the number could still go up.”

He also opened up about the emotional toll the incident has taken on the community. Even those not physically hurt have been deeply shaken, many seeking help to cope with the trauma.

Caturla described the horrifying moment a black Audi SUV sped through the crowd at the festival at around 300 kilometers per hour.

“People had just started leaving the venue after Apl.de.ap’s performance,” he recalled. “They were lining up for food when out of nowhere, the car came plowing through. The barricade was just wood, it didn’t stand a chance.”

The crash happened on the evening of 26 April during the second annual Lapu-Lapu Day celebration, a festival in honor of British Columbia lawmaker Mable Elmore’s mother, who traces her roots to the Filipino hero. The event spanned six blocks in Vancouver’s Fraser neighborhood, drawing a diverse crowd of around 20,000 and featuring some 200 booths.

The suspected driver, 30-year-old Kai Ji Adam Lo, tried to flee the scene but was held down by bystanders until police arrived.

Caturla said Lo has a history of mental illness and previous run-ins with the law. “He even had an encounter with the police just a day before the tragedy.”

“People are asking: why was he still behind the wheel? That’s a big question right now. Authorities are digging into his motives,” Caturia said.