In a shocking incident, a street festival in Vancouver, Canada, turned into a scene of tragedy after an SUV driver rammed into a crowd of Filipino festival-goers, causing multiple fatalities and injuries. However, authorities have not yet confirmed the exact number of fatalities.
The Vancouver Police confirmed the devastating news on April 27 morning IST, stating, "A number of people have been killed and multiple others are injured after a driver drove into a crowd at a street festival at E. 41st Avenue and Fraser shortly after 8 p.m. tonight".
Driver detained
The driver, who is now facing consequences, is reportedly a 20-year-old Asian man who is described to be mentally ill.
The police mentioned about immediate action in the matter and wrote, "The driver is in custody. We will provide more information as the investigation unfolds".
Several X posts quoted witnesses to point out the man detained by the cops for driving his SUV into the crowded street gathering was "mentally challenged", raising further questions how he was permitted to drive.
"Witnesses at the scene state that he appears to be a 20-year-old Asian male and possibly mentally challenged in", X user OSINTdefender posted, sharing videos from the mishap online.
Visuals surface
More details
The incident occurred during the annual Lapu Lapu festival, a celebration of Filipino culture that draws large crowds each year.
According to reports, a group of pedestrians attending the festival were hit by the vehicle, leading to chaos and panic. Unverified videos circulating on social media show a heavy police presence at the scene, with ambulances, fire engines, and emergency responders rushing to assist the injured and echoing siren sounds.
Several disturbing visuals of bodies lying on the street moments have surfaced after the car crashed into the festival.