PM Carney Says Canada ‘Heartbroken’ As Vancouver Car-Ramming Incident Claims 11 Lives

Police file murder charges against suspect

***A member of the Filipino community, Sarah Edmilao, whose friends attended the festival earlier that day, places flowers at a growing memorial near the incident scene – AP photo***

At least 11 people are dead and dozen others injured after a driver ploughed into a street festival crowd in Vancouver on the eve of Canada’s election.

This is Prime Minister, Mark Carney, said the attack has left the country “shocked, devastated and heartbroken”.

Carney, the Liberal Party Prime Minister and former Bank of England Governor who is favourite to win Monday’s election, paused campaigning to address the country on Sunday morning.

“Those families are living every family’s nightmare,” said a visibly emotional Carney. “I know that I join all Canadians in mourning with you. I know that Canadians are united with you.”

Carney referenced “Bayanihan”, the Filipino value of community serving those in need, saying; “This spirit upon which we must draw in this incredibly difficult time. We will comfort the grieving. We will care for each other. We will unite in common purpose.”

On his part, Vancouver’s Police Chief, Steve Rai described the carnage as “the darkest day” in the city’s history and told reporters it was “impossible to overstate how many lives have been impacted for ever” by the lone driver.

“There are many unanswered questions about this horrific crime, the motive of the person who did it, and whether anything could have been done to prevent it,” said the interim chief constable, Rai.

He further said; “There are many things we still don’t know. We are working hard to get all of the answers”, adding that the victims ranged from five to 65 years old, and that dozens more were injured.

According to him, some of the injured persons are in very critical state while some have not yet been identified.

As events unfolded late on Sunday, the British Columbia Prosecution Service charged Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, with eight counts of second degree murder and said more charges were possible.

Lo, a Vancouver resident, appeared in court and remains in custody, prosecutors said, noting also that the suspect has a history of mental health issues.

The man was arrested after a black Audi SUV entered the street just after 8 p.m. on Saturday and struck people attending the Lapu Lapu Day festival in Filipino community festival

Meanwhile, Police have also warned that the death toll could rise in coming days and weeks.

“Vancouver and the Filipino community suffered its darkest day here in the city of Vancouver,” said Vancouver mayor, Ken Sim.

Saturday’s festival was the second annual event for the city and organisers advertised a street parade, artisans, cultural activities, a basketball tournament and local food vendors.