The Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver, originally intended to celebrate Filipino heritage, turned into a scene of horror on Saturday as an SUV plowed through the gathering, resulting in the deaths of eleven individuals, the youngest being just five years old. Many others suffered injuries and were rushed to hospitals, leaving the community shocked and devastated.
R. J. Aquino, the chairman of Filipino B.C., which organized the festival, expressed the raw emotions felt by many at a vigil held Sunday night. "A lot of us are still numb. A lot of us are still angry, confused, sad,” he lamented. Attendees of the festival reported being caught in a wave of panic, with screams ringing through the air as the tragedy unfolded.
Eyewitnesses Roger Peralta and Bjorn Villarreal, who had immigrated to Canada in 2016, recounted the moments leading up to the crash. They described hearing a loud bang, followed by a scene of chaos as they witnessed people falling to the ground in despair. Bjorn bravely pursued the vehicle for a moment, hoping to intervene, while Roger recalled the haunting aftermath that left him in tears.
Despite the devastation, the duo emphasized the resilient spirit of the Filipino community, reflecting on the value of “Bayanihan” - a culture of unity and cooperation. This sentiment resonated with many at the memorial, where candles and flowers were laid in remembrance of the victims.
British Columbia Premier David Eby honored the contributions of the Filipino community, acknowledging their significant impact in many sectors, including healthcare. He expressed a shared frustration amidst the tragedy and vowed to support the community moving forward.
In a statement in front of the police barricade at the crime scene, Eby insisted that the incident would not define the spirit of the Filipino community nor the celebration that was meant to bring joy and unity. With calls for healing and remembrance, the Vancouver community looks towards supporting one another in the days ahead.
R. J. Aquino, the chairman of Filipino B.C., which organized the festival, expressed the raw emotions felt by many at a vigil held Sunday night. "A lot of us are still numb. A lot of us are still angry, confused, sad,” he lamented. Attendees of the festival reported being caught in a wave of panic, with screams ringing through the air as the tragedy unfolded.
Eyewitnesses Roger Peralta and Bjorn Villarreal, who had immigrated to Canada in 2016, recounted the moments leading up to the crash. They described hearing a loud bang, followed by a scene of chaos as they witnessed people falling to the ground in despair. Bjorn bravely pursued the vehicle for a moment, hoping to intervene, while Roger recalled the haunting aftermath that left him in tears.
Despite the devastation, the duo emphasized the resilient spirit of the Filipino community, reflecting on the value of “Bayanihan” - a culture of unity and cooperation. This sentiment resonated with many at the memorial, where candles and flowers were laid in remembrance of the victims.
British Columbia Premier David Eby honored the contributions of the Filipino community, acknowledging their significant impact in many sectors, including healthcare. He expressed a shared frustration amidst the tragedy and vowed to support the community moving forward.
In a statement in front of the police barricade at the crime scene, Eby insisted that the incident would not define the spirit of the Filipino community nor the celebration that was meant to bring joy and unity. With calls for healing and remembrance, the Vancouver community looks towards supporting one another in the days ahead.
