VANCOUVER — A tragic incident unfolded Saturday evening at the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party in Vancouver, where a black SUV plowed into a crowd celebrating Filipino culture, resulting in at least nine fatalities and numerous injuries. The horrific event occurred shortly after 8 p.m. local time as thousands gathered in the city’s Sunset neighborhood to commemorate the legacy of the Filipino anti-colonial leader, Lapulapu.
Witnesses described the chaos as the vehicle tore through the festival, striking revelers with devastating force. Eyewitness Nic Magtajas recounted, "I saw a bunch of people go over, go high up from the impact of hitting the car and such." Another witness, James Cruzat, noted the sound of the engine revving before the loud bang, initially mistaking it for a gunshot. "It was terrible to see that kind of incident, that situation. It was heartbreaking," he said.
The driver, a 30-year-old man from Vancouver, was arrested at the scene after bystanders restrained him. Vancouver Police confirmed that the driver was known to them in certain circumstances but did not provide further details on his identity or potential motives. Authorities have stated that they do not believe the incident was an act of terrorism, a statement that has brought some relief amid the tragedy.
As emergency responders rushed to the scene, Vancouver Coastal Health declared a mass-casualty event, with multiple victims transported to various hospitals. The Vancouver Police Department reported that they were still assessing the number of injured, with initial estimates suggesting many more than just the deceased.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his devastation over the incident, offering condolences to the victims and their families. "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," he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party, had attended the festival just hours before the tragedy and expressed his horror upon learning of the events. "As we wait to learn more, our thoughts are with the victims and their families – and Vancouver’s Filipino community, who were coming together today to celebrate resilience," he stated.
Local MP Don Davies, who was also present earlier in the day, referred to the incident as a "horrendous attack" and shared his prayers for the victims. "I’m just sickened and appalled. This is an attack that we don’t expect to see anywhere, but especially not in Canada," he said.
The Lapu Lapu Day festival is an annual celebration that honors the Filipino chief who led his people against Portuguese colonization in the 16th century. This year’s event featured a parade, cultural performances, and food stalls, drawing a large crowd from the local Filipino community and beyond.
As the investigation unfolds, police have set up a 24-hour assistance center to support families and friends seeking information about loved ones who were at the festival. Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim expressed his shock at the incident, stating, "Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver's Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time." He promised that the city would provide more information as it becomes available.
The incident has sparked discussions about public safety during large gatherings, especially in light of similar tragedies in recent years. Just a year prior, Nathaniel Veltman was sentenced to life in prison for running down a Muslim family in Ontario, marking a significant moment in Canada’s struggle against hate crimes and violence.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, leaders from all political spectrums have united in their calls for solidarity and support for those affected. Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre also expressed his condolences, emphasizing the need to stand with the Filipino community during this dark time.
Despite the sorrow that envelops the city, community leaders are hopeful that the spirit of bayanihan, or communal unity, will prevail. Vancouver's Filipino community, known for its resilience and vibrant culture, is determined to honor the memory of those lost by continuing to celebrate their heritage and values.
The investigation is ongoing, with Vancouver Police's Major Crime Section leading the efforts to uncover the full details of the incident. As authorities work to piece together what happened, the community remains in mourning, reflecting on the loss of life and the impact of this tragic event.
