Updated: Vancouver Festival Crash Leaves 11 Dead, City Mourns \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ A tragic crash at Vancouver’s Filipino heritage festival left 11 dead, including a young girl and her parents. A teenage boy lost his family while doing homework at home. Authorities identified multiple victims, and the suspect faces multiple murder charges amid mental health concerns.
Quick Looks
- 11 killed at a Filipino heritage festival after an SUV plowed through the crowd.
- 5-year-old Katie Le, her parents, and others among the deceased.
- Suspect Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, charged with multiple counts of second-degree murder.
- Authorities ruled out terrorism, citing the suspect’s mental health history.
- Prime Minister Mark Carney visited the memorial and canceled campaign events.
- 32 people injured, 17 hospitalized, some critically.
- Investigation ongoing, with event safety measures under review.
Deep Look
A festive weekend celebrating Filipino heritage in Vancouver ended in heartbreak when a black Audi SUV plowed through a closed street packed with food trucks, performers, and families. The horrifying crash killed 11 people, including a 5-year-old girl, her father, and her stepmother, leaving an entire community in shock and mourning.
Among the victims was young Katie Le, who was about to graduate from kindergarten and was described as a bright, joyful soul full of promise. Her father, Richard Le, and stepmother, Linh Hoang, also perished in the tragic event. Their surviving family member, a 16-year-old son who had stayed home to complete his homework, now faces unimaginable grief after losing nearly his entire immediate family in a single night. Katie’s uncle, Toan Le, shared their story through a GoFundMe page, capturing the deep sorrow and helplessness now faced by the teenage boy.
Another victim was Kira Salim, a well-known and respected teacher and counselor at the New Westminster School District. School officials praised Salim for her compassion, wisdom, and impact on hundreds of middle and secondary school students. Her loss leaves a tremendous void not only in the hearts of her family and friends but also in the lives of countless students she mentored.
The incident occurred during the Lapu Lapu Day festival, an event honoring Datu Lapu-Lapu, an Indigenous Filipino hero who famously resisted Spanish conquest in the 16th century. The celebration, meant to symbolize cultural pride and resilience, instead became a scene of unspeakable tragedy. According to British Columbia’s Health Ministry, 32 people sustained injuries, 17 of whom remained hospitalized late Sunday, with some in critical and serious condition. Victims ranged in age from just five years old to 65.
Authorities quickly arrested Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, who now faces eight counts of second-degree murder, with more charges expected as the investigation unfolds. Lo, who appeared in court via video, has not yet entered a plea. Officials stated there was no evidence suggesting terrorism, but they cited Lo’s history of mental health issues as a significant factor. Vancouver Provincial Court has issued a publication ban on details of the case, a common practice in Canada designed to ensure fair trials and protect victims’ privacy.
At a candlelight vigil, Vancouver Mayor Kenneth Sim spoke for many when he said the city’s emotions were raw: heartbreak, sadness, fear, and anger. Sim and others pledged support to the devastated Filipino community, who had gathered for a day of cultural pride only to witness horror. Interim Police Chief Steve Rai echoed the mayor’s sentiments, confirming that Lo had a long record of interactions with police and healthcare services related to his mental health.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of pure terror. Kris Pangilinan, a vendor selling clothing and lifestyle goods, recalled seeing the vehicle slowly creep past a barricade before suddenly accelerating into a crowd fresh from enjoying a concert. “It looked like a bowling ball hitting pins,” he said, unable to forget the sounds of screaming and bodies thudding against the vehicle.
Video footage captured the grim aftermath — shattered food stalls, personal belongings scattered, injured victims lying motionless, and the SUV with its front end crumpled. Investigators spent Monday meticulously collecting evidence, sifting through bystander videos, and executing a search warrant at a Vancouver property linked to the suspect.
Police believe the incident will lead to major changes in how public events in the city are secured in the future. “This was meant to be a safe, family-friendly celebration,” said Sgt. Steve Addison, lamenting how one individual’s actions destroyed a day of joy for so many.
The suspect, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, was initially apprehended by courageous bystanders before police arrived. A widely circulated video showed Lo pinned against a chain-link fence, apologizing as furious onlookers shouted at him. Although authorities confirmed his arrest, they declined to comment directly on the footage.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, visibly emotional, visited the makeshift memorial on Sunday evening, joining British Columbia Premier David Eby and other community leaders. Carney canceled several campaign events in light of the tragedy, posting a photo of himself lighting a candle at the site. “Last night, families lost sisters, brothers, mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters. They are living every family’s nightmare,” he said in a moving statement.
Survivors recounted near-misses and acts of bravery. Carayn Nulada, attending the festival with her grandchildren, pulled them off the street and used her own body to shield them. Her daughter, narrowly missing death, was struck on the arm by the SUV but managed to reunite with her family amid the chaos.
Nulada’s brother wasn’t as fortunate; he was struck and suffered multiple fractures. At Vancouver General Hospital, doctors identified him by presenting his family with his wedding ring, signaling his critical but stable condition pending surgery.
James Cruzat, a Vancouver business owner, described the moments before disaster struck. “I heard an engine rev, then a loud bang,” he said, initially fearing gunshots. As he looked around, he saw people crying, running, and screaming for help, many too stunned to process what was happening.
The deadly assault carried chilling echoes of the 2018 Toronto van attack, where a man used a rented van to kill 10 pedestrians, prompting nationwide discussions about the security of public spaces.
Now, Vancouver is left mourning, searching for answers, and determined to ensure that such senseless violence will never again rob communities of peace and celebration.
Updated: Vancouver Updated: Vancouver Updated: Vancouver Updated: Vancouver
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