Tragedy in Vancouver: Driver faces murder charges
Tragedy at the festival in Vancouver (Photo: Art Candee / x.com)
On Saturday, in the Canadian city of Vancouver, an SUV drove into a crowd of people. It is already known that the driver has been charged with murder, according to Bloomberg and NBC News.
As a result of the tragedy, at least 11 people were killed, and more than two dozen were injured. According to police, some of the victims remain unidentified, with the youngest being 5 years old.
The British Columbia Prosecutor's Office has charged 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo with eight counts of second-degree murder. The police also stated that further charges are expected against the Vancouver resident, who remains in custody.
At a press conference on Sunday, authorities warned that the death toll could rise. It was also reported that the suspect has a history of mental illness and was known to the police. Officials confirmed that the incident is not considered a terrorist act.
"It would appear that mental health appears to be the underlying issue here," said Mayor Ken Sim.
What preceded this
In Vancouver, Canada, a black SUV drove into a crowd during the Lapu Lapu Day festival - an event named after a national hero of the Philippines. The tragedy occurred near 41st Avenue and Fraser Street around 8:14 p.m. local time on Saturday.
Following the incident, it was known that people had sustained injuries and fatal wounds. On Sunday, police reported that nine people had died at the festival, with several others injured, though the exact number was not clarified. Soon after, it was confirmed that the death toll had risen to 11.
The deadly incident prompted a response from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who expressed condolences to the victims on behalf of Ukraine.
"On this sad day, Ukrainians deeply share the pain of Canadians, Vancouver residents, and the Canadian Filipino community. Our condolences to the victims' families, and we wish the injured a speedy recovery. Stay strong, our friends in Canada and the Philippines," the head of state wrote on social media.
