A tragedy occurred in Vancouver that shook not only the local population but also the entire world
At one of the most popular festivals, "Lapu Lapu" — a vibrant and well-known celebration attracting thousands of music, culture, and positive emotion enthusiasts — the event unexpectedly turned into the scene of a terrible incident. Around 8:00 PM local time on Saturday, an unknown driver drove into a crowd of tens of thousands gathered at the festival. According to preliminary police reports, this tragedy resulted in 11 deaths and dozens of injuries, many of whom are in serious condition. The source of the information is Vancouver Police spokesperson Steve Rya. According to him, the deaths of 11 people have been confirmed so far, and the number of injured may increase significantly. The police are continuing to investigate all the circumstances of the incident. "We believe that this tragedy is not related to terrorist acts. Although at this stage we are refraining from drawing conclusions about the suspect's motives," Rya said. "Currently, the investigation does not suggest this was an act of terrorism. At the same time, the detained driver has a history of contact with the police and healthcare systems, including issues related to mental health." The entire horror was accompanied by a series of vaguely confirmed facts and comments noting not only the terrible nature of the event but also deep concern about the cause of the incident. The police representative emphasized that this is currently being treated as an isolated case, not a systemic threat: "We are working to establish all the circumstances and possible motives. At this point, we consider this tragedy an incident, not an act of terror." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wished a swift recovery to the injured. In his Twitter message, he wrote: "We sincerely sympathize with all those affected by this terrible tragedy in Vancouver. Our thoughts are with the families of the deceased and with all the residents of this beautiful city. Condolences and support from our country are with you." Zelensky also emphasized that Ukraine is in solidarity with Canadians during this difficult time. This tragedy served as another reminder of the need to strengthen security measures at mass events and to be vigilant for potential atypical situations. Prior to the incident in Vancouver, police had detained the suspect, who is clearly in a mental state and, according to preliminary data, shows signs of mental disorders. Some official sources note that the man responsible for this tragic event has long been on law enforcement's radar due to his political and medical background. The "Lapu Lapu" festival in Vancouver is an annual cultural event traditionally held at the end of April, gaining popularity for its colorful offerings, musical and artistic performances, and friendly, lively atmosphere. However, this year it was marred by grief and anxiety — as the innocent and joyful ambiance was suddenly shattered by the tragedy. Safety committees have already begun a thorough investigation of the incident, working in cooperation with Canadian law enforcement and medical services. Nevertheless, the public is deeply distressed and shocked by the scale of the tragedy. It is possible that this incident will become a catalyst for implementing additional safety measures at mass gatherings in the country, as authorities seek to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Currently, Vancouver is immersed in an atmosphere of mourning and unease. Local residents and numerous tourists visiting this year for the celebration are now forced to reconsider their trust in public events, while the police are doing everything possible to organize a safe and swift investigation of the tragedy and to provide citizens with necessary support. This deadly accident once again underscores the importance of consolidating efforts not only to combat terrorists but also any forms of violence. Although police officials have stated that the suspect is not considered a terrorist, questions remain regarding his motivations and the factors that led to this terrible tragedy. This incident will long remain in the memory of the city’s residents, extending beyond Ukraine and Canada — it has become a reminder of human vulnerability and the need for unity in times of trial.