An exciting festival in Vancouver ended in tragedy last Saturday. It was an annual Filipino event called the Lapu-Lapu Day Block party, attended by up to 100 000 people. However, after 8pm local time, an SUV plowed through the site, driving through the crowd. Police described this event as the “darkest day in the city’s history.”
What started as a fun, anticipating celebration, abruptly turned into chaos and trauma. Many comments included details that bodies were flying higher than the food trucks were, everyone was panicking and screaming, and that the man in the SUV just kept running through. One moment, families would be waiting in line for food, then, there would be sounds of a car running through in the distance, followed by bodies hitting the hood of the SUV.
Death Tolls and Injury Lists Updating
Because the attack began where there was no barrier between the outside and the food truck area, the death tolls and injury lists are still being counted for. At the moment, 11 deaths were confirmed and injury lists are large and still rising. Among the deaths is a 5 year old girl. Although the suspect, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, was identified, these lists are still being updated throughout the next few weeks.
Nation-wide Mourning
Unfortunately, this time of celebration, having fun, and embracing the Filipino culture had been struck by this car incident. Those of Filipino ancestry are devastated and deep in tears, especially ones in close relation to someone in the death tools or injury lists. All around Canada, there had been a shock wave of grievance and sorrow, even causing the current Prime Minister, Mark Carney, to cancel some pre-election meetings. Prayers, flowers, and sincere wishes are being passed to those that had been traumatized.
Why Did The Attack Happen?
First things first, officials do not believe this was an attack of terrorism. There is also discussion about whether this attack was even targeted. Despite these, the most important detail about the suspect is that they had been involved with the police before, but also with healthcare professionals related to mental health.
Part of the mourning across Canada actually includes reminders about mental health, which is directed towards those that were unfortunately involved, but it also comes from this suspect. Specific details are not displayed for various reasons. However, what is important to take away from this is that mental health matters. Let us take the time to take care of ourselves and keep our spirits up!
Some Mental Health Hotlines:
If you are in need of mental health support, whether it be while mourning or not, here are some links to mental health hotlines.
- Alberta Health Services: 1-877-303-2642 (Toll free)
– Provides confidential service, giving support, information, and referrals to Albertans - Canadian Mental Health Association: 9-8-8
– Non-judgemental suicide preventing hotline - https://kidshelpphone.ca/
– Website for kids’ mental health - Check out this website to find your province’s mental health hotline: https://tema.foundation/canadian-mental-health-hotlines/