6 still hospitalized 2 months after Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy

Vancouver police say six people are still in hospital two months since the deadly vehicle-ramming attack on a Filipino street festival.

An injured child was recently discharged from hospital and is now at home recovering, police add.

On April 26, 11 people were killed and dozens more were injured while celebrating Lapu-Lapu Day in Vancouver. The attack has been described as the darkest day in the city’s history.

Since that time, the community has rallied, with Filipino BC and United Way BC Kapwa Strong Fund raising $1.7 million. Among other efforts, Filipino BC also opened the ‘Resilience Centre’ in south Vancouver, a temporary space for people to talk, access wellness resources, and share a hot meal.

“They can offer childcare for families, free counseling, healing, supports, and other mechanisms to help them with their recovery,” said Crystal Laderas, Filipino BC’s public relations manager.

“A lot of people put in a lot of work on repairing their mental health as well. But some days, something can just happen, and they’re right back to April 26.”

Meanwhile, donors have given more than $26 million on behalf of victims and families via independent GoFundMe fundraisers.

Earlier this month, the City of Vancouver resolved to host a memorial benefit concert at Rogers Arena.

The city initially said that the event, called ‘Come Together: Vancouver Strong,’ would take place in June, but an official date has not yet been announced.

1130 NewsRadio has reached out to the city for more information.

A 30-year-old suspect faces several charges of second-degree murder related to the attack.

He remains in custody, and a hearing has been scheduled for next month to determine if he is mentally fit to stand trial.

— With files from Srushti Gangdev.