Vancouver to release safety review after deadly Lapu-Lapu Day festival attack

Vancouver officials are set to release the final safety review into outdoor event planning and emergency protocols following the April tragedy at the city’s Lapu-Lapu Day festival.

Mayor Ken Sim and Chief Const. Steve Rai will present the findings at a news conference Thursday afternoon. The review follows the alleged vehicle-ramming attack that left 11 people dead at the Filipino cultural event on April 26.

A preliminary city report in May found festival organizers had followed prescribed processes for an event deemed low risk. Police Chief Rai noted at the time that there had been no indication the festival would unfold differently than in previous years.

The accused driver, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, faces 11 counts of second-degree murder. Court hearings are ongoing to determine if he is fit to stand trial, though details are subject to a publication ban.

In July, a separate provincial review led by former B.C. Supreme Court chief justice Christopher Hinkson called for mandatory risk assessments for all public gatherings, stronger inter-agency coordination, and the creation of a provincial hub to share event safety information.

B.C. Minister of State for Community Safety Terry Yung said the government is working quickly to implement those recommendations.