A horrific incident unfolded at the Lapu-Lapu Day Block Party in Vancouver, Canada, when a man drove a vehicle into a crowd, killing at least nine people and injuring several others, according to Vancouver police. The suspect, a 30-year-old local man known to authorities, was apprehended at the scene after being chased and restrained by festival attendees.
The tragedy occurred shortly after 8 p.m. local time (2 a.m. Irish time) near East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street in Vancouver’s Sunset neighbourhood, where the Filipino-Canadian community was celebrating Lapu-Lapu Day, a festival honoring the Filipino chieftain who defeated Spanish forces in 1521. The vibrant street party featured Filipino cuisine, cultural performances, and displays, drawing thousands to the multi-block event.
Police confirmed the incident was not an act of terrorism, stating in an X post, “We are confident this was not a targeted attack.” Witnesses described a black SUV driving erratically before plowing through the crowd. One attendee told CTV News he saw the vehicle speeding through the festival, leaving approximately 15 people on the ground. Another witness, Yoseb Vardeh, co-owner of the Bao Buns food truck, recounted the chaos to Postmedia: “I heard an engine rev, and when I stepped out, I saw bodies scattered across the block. It was devastating.”
The driver attempted to flee but was pursued by festival-goers, who held him against a fence until police arrived about 10 minutes later. Authorities have not released the suspect’s identity or motive, and the investigation is ongoing.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also shared his condolences, stating, “I am shattered by this terrible loss and extend my deepest sympathies to the victims’ families and the resilient Filipino community in Canada.”
The festival holds special significance in British Columbia, where the government designated April 27 as Lapu-Lapu Day in 2023 to recognize the contributions of the province’s large Filipino-Canadian population. The event is a cornerstone of cultural pride, making the tragedy particularly poignant.
Jagmeet Singh, leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party, narrowly escaped the incident, having left the festival minutes earlier. Speaking to CTV News, he said, “This is unimaginable. I can still see the smiling faces of the children dancing. My heart goes out to everyone affected.”
The Vancouver Sun reported that thousands were present in the area at the time of the incident. The community is now grappling with shock and grief as it mourns the lives lost in what was meant to be a day of unity and celebration.
The tragedy occurred shortly after 8 p.m. local time (2 a.m. Irish time) near East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street in Vancouver’s Sunset neighbourhood, where the Filipino-Canadian community was celebrating Lapu-Lapu Day, a festival honoring the Filipino chieftain who defeated Spanish forces in 1521. The vibrant street party featured Filipino cuisine, cultural performances, and displays, drawing thousands to the multi-block event.
Police confirmed the incident was not an act of terrorism, stating in an X post, “We are confident this was not a targeted attack.” Witnesses described a black SUV driving erratically before plowing through the crowd. One attendee told CTV News he saw the vehicle speeding through the festival, leaving approximately 15 people on the ground. Another witness, Yoseb Vardeh, co-owner of the Bao Buns food truck, recounted the chaos to Postmedia: “I heard an engine rev, and when I stepped out, I saw bodies scattered across the block. It was devastating.”
The driver attempted to flee but was pursued by festival-goers, who held him against a fence until police arrived about 10 minutes later. Authorities have not released the suspect’s identity or motive, and the investigation is ongoing.
Leaders Express Grief Amid Election Campaign Pause
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, posting on X, expressed his devastation: “My heart breaks for the victims of the horrific events at the Lapu-Lapu festival in Vancouver.” With Canada’s federal election scheduled for tomorrow, Carney’s Liberal Party announced a pause in campaign activities in response to the tragedy.Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also shared his condolences, stating, “I am shattered by this terrible loss and extend my deepest sympathies to the victims’ families and the resilient Filipino community in Canada.”
The festival holds special significance in British Columbia, where the government designated April 27 as Lapu-Lapu Day in 2023 to recognize the contributions of the province’s large Filipino-Canadian population. The event is a cornerstone of cultural pride, making the tragedy particularly poignant.
Jagmeet Singh, leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party, narrowly escaped the incident, having left the festival minutes earlier. Speaking to CTV News, he said, “This is unimaginable. I can still see the smiling faces of the children dancing. My heart goes out to everyone affected.”
Community in Mourning
Vancouver city councillor Peter Fry, who attended the festival earlier, described the event as a joyful celebration turned tragic. “This was a vibrant community gathering, and to see it end like this is heartbreaking. But it won’t break our spirit,” he told CTV News.The Vancouver Sun reported that thousands were present in the area at the time of the incident. The community is now grappling with shock and grief as it mourns the lives lost in what was meant to be a day of unity and celebration.
