At least nine people have died and several others have been injured after a car drove into a crowd at a street festival in Vancouver, Canada, on the evening of April 26, 2025. The tragic incident occurred during the Lapu Lapu Day festival, which celebrates Filipino culture and honors Datu Lapu-Lapu, a national hero known for defeating Spanish forces in 1521.
The Vancouver Police Department reported that the vehicle struck the crowd around 8:14 PM local time, just as the festival was beginning to wind down. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene, with victims lying on the ground and debris scattered across the street.
“I got outside my food truck, I looked down the road and there’s just bodies everywhere,” said Yoseb Vardeh, co-owner of a food truck at the festival. Another witness, Kris Pangilinan, stated, “This car slowly started to pick up speed, and then hit someone. It just kept going and going and going. People were just screaming and trying to run away. It looked like we were in a war zone.”
The alleged driver, a 30-year-old man from Vancouver, was arrested at the scene. Acting police chief Steve Rai confirmed that the suspect was known to police in certain circumstances but did not provide further details. Authorities have stated that they are confident the incident was not an act of terrorism.
“At this time, we are confident that this incident was not an act of terrorism,” the police said in a social media post. The incident has been labeled a “mass casualty incident” by the police, who are conducting a thorough investigation.
Vancouver Mayor Kenneth Sim expressed his shock and sadness over the event, stating on social media, “I am shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific incident at today’s Lapu Lapu Day event. Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver’s Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney also shared his condolences, writing, “I offer my deepest condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured, to the Filipino Canadian community, and to everyone in Vancouver. We are all mourning with you.”
Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party, was present at the festival earlier in the day and expressed his horror at the events that unfolded. “This is so horrific, I don’t even know what to say. I was just there, and I just imagine the faces of the kids that I saw smiling and dancing,” he said.
British Columbia Premier David Eby echoed similar sentiments, stating he was “shocked and heartbroken” and that the provincial government is in contact with the City of Vancouver to provide any needed support.
Witnesses described the moments leading up to the crash, noting that a wooden barrier had been removed shortly before the vehicle barreled into the crowd. The festival featured a parade, live performances, and cultural displays, and had drawn thousands of attendees.
James Cruzat, a business owner who was at the festival, recounted hearing a loud bang that he initially thought might be a gunshot. “We saw people on the road crying, others were running, shouting, or even screaming, asking for help. It was terrible to see that kind of incident,” he said.
The Philippine consulate in Vancouver released a statement expressing deep concern and sympathies for the victims. “As we await more information about the incident, we pray that our community remains strong and resilient imbued with the spirit of bayanihan during this difficult time,” they said.
The Lapu Lapu Day festival is significant for the Filipino community in British Columbia, which is one of the largest immigrant groups in the province. The event celebrates Filipino heritage and has been officially recognized by the government of British Columbia since 2023.
As investigations continue, the Vancouver Police Department is expected to provide further updates regarding the incident and the status of the victims. The community is in mourning as it grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event.
In the wake of this incident, local leaders are urging community members to support one another and to access available mental health and victim support services. Filipino BC, the group that hosts the Lapu Lapu Day festival, stated they are heartbroken by the senseless tragedy and are encouraging everyone affected to reach out for help.
The Lapu Lapu Day festival traditionally features a multi-block street party showcasing Filipino food and cultural traditions, making this incident particularly devastating for the community that had gathered to celebrate their heritage.
As the investigation unfolds, the families of the victims are left to cope with the loss and the community is coming together to support one another in this difficult time. The full extent of the tragedy is still being assessed, and the police are working diligently to gather more information about the events that led to this heartbreaking incident.
