A devastating incident at a Filipino community festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, has left at least nine people dead and several others injured. The shocking event unfolded on Saturday evening, causing widespread grief and raising questions about public safety at large gatherings.
What Happened?
According to Vancouver Police, a black SUV drove into a crowd attending the Lapu Lapu Day Festival near East 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street at approximately 8:14 p.m. on 26 April 2025.
The event, celebrating the Filipino national hero Datu Lapu Lapu, turned tragic within moments.
Nine people confirmed dead at the scene
Around 20 individuals injured, some seriously
Driver arrested: A 30-year-old man from Vancouver
The driver was subdued by brave members of the public before police arrived.
“Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic incident,” Vancouver Police said on social media.
(Source: Vancouver Police official social media)
Who Is the Suspect?
The arrested individual is known to the police, but officials have not yet disclosed a possible motive.
Interim Police Chief Steve Rai confirmed that terrorism had been ruled out.
Prime Minister Mark Carney reassured the public, stating that there is “no active threat to Canadians.”
(Source: Vancouver Police; Canadian Prime Minister’s Office)
When asked whether the upcoming federal elections could have been a factor, police replied that there was no evidence linking the incident to political motives.
Eyewitness Accounts
Those who attended the festival described chaotic and horrifying scenes:
Alan Kane, a witness, told CBC Radio that the street was packed “wall to wall” just before the car struck.
Kris Pangilinan, a vendor at the festival, stated that the street was only lightly barricaded with plastic barriers. Some vehicles were allowed into the street to assist vendors packing up.
According to Pangilinan:
The SUV initially moved slowly into the crowd.
Suddenly, the vehicle accelerated rapidly, mowing down people in its path.
Witnesses said the driver attempted to flee but was tackled and held by bystanders.
“It looked like we were literally in a war zone,” Pangilinan shared with CBC Radio.
Context of the Festival
The Lapu Lapu Day Festival is a relatively new tradition in Vancouver, first established in 2023 to honour Datu Lapu Lapu, a historic Filipino leader who resisted Spanish colonisation.
This annual event symbolises cultural pride and community spirit among Filipino Canadians.
Security Concerns Raised
This tragic event has brought attention to safety measures at public gatherings:
Unlike other major events in Canada, where roads are often secured using heavy vehicles like snowploughs or gravel-filled trucks, it appears that no such measures were taken at this street party.
Plastic barriers were reportedly the only protection separating festival-goers from nearby traffic.
In recent years, Canadian authorities have used heavy vehicles to prevent similar attacks, especially following tragic incidents like the 2021 London, Ontario truck attack, which killed four members of a Muslim family in an act deemed terrorism.
(Source: CBC News)
Official Reactions
The tragedy has triggered heartfelt responses from leaders across Canada and the Philippines:
Prime Minister Mark Carney said:
“Last night, families lost a sister, a brother, a mother, a father, a son or a daughter. Those families are living every family’s nightmare.”
Mayor Ken Sim of Vancouver expressed that he was “shocked and deeply saddened” by the event.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines shared his condolences, stating he was “completely shattered” to hear the news.
(Source: Official statements from the Prime Minister’s Office, Vancouver Mayor’s Office, and Malacañang Palace)
Upcoming Events Amid Grief
Despite the tragedy, Vancouver police announced that a major 10-kilometre run, which attracted over 45,000 participants last year, would still go ahead on Sunday, suggesting that officials see no ongoing public safety threat.
Meanwhile, Apl.de.ap, the Filipino-American rapper and founding member of the Black Eyed Peas, had just finished performing at the festival minutes before the attack.
Final Thoughts
This incident has not only shaken the local Filipino community but also highlighted concerns around public safety at events.
As investigations continue, Canadians across the country stand in solidarity with the families affected, offering prayers, support, and demanding stronger safety measures for future gatherings.
Sources:
Vancouver Police Department (Social Media Updates)
CBC News (Eyewitness Interviews)
Prime Minister’s Office of Canada (Press Conference)
Malacañang Palace, Philippines (Official Statement)