Death toll rises in Canada car ramming
The death toll from the car-ramming attack at a Filipino festival in the Canadian city of Vancouver on Saturday has risen to 11, police have said.
The suspect, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder, with additional charges expected as the investigation continues.
The incident occurred around 8:14pm near East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street, as the Lapu Lapu festival was concluding and barriers were being removed.
Witnesses said a black SUV accelerated into the crowd, causing mass casualties. Bystanders detained the suspect before police arrived.
The victims ranged in age from five to 65 years old, according to interim police chief Howard Rai. Thirty-two patients were treated at hospitals across the Lower Mainland, with 17 still hospitalized, some critically, the provincial Ministry of Health confirmed.
Lo, a Vancouver resident, reportedly has a documented history of mental health issues. According to the Vancouver Sun, his family contacted a hospital psychiatric ward seeking help for him just hours before the attack. He was believed to be suffering from delusions and paranoia. Police stated that the incident is not being investigated as terrorism-related.
Last year, Lo’s brother, Alexander, was murdered in Vancouver. Following his brother’s death, Lo wrote about his grief and his mother’s suicide attempt on a fundraising page.
The suspect appeared in court on Sunday, did not request bail, and remains in custody. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 26.
Police have established a 24-hour assistance center at Douglas Park Community Centre for families of victims.
The Lapu Lapu Day festival honors a Filipino hero who resisted Spanish colonization. Organizers said the Filipino community would show “true resilience” following the tragedy.
