VANCOUVER — A joyous celebration of Filipino culture turned tragic on Saturday evening when a speeding SUV plowed into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver, resulting in the deaths of at least nine people and injuring many others. The incident occurred shortly after 8 p.m. on April 26, 2025, near East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street, where festival-goers had gathered to celebrate Filipino heritage.
The driver, identified as a 30-year-old Vancouver man, was arrested at the scene after being detained by bystanders. Vancouver Police interim Chief Steve Rai confirmed that the suspect was “known to police in certain circumstances” but did not disclose further details about his background. According to police, they are confident that this incident was not an act of terrorism, although they are investigating the possibility of mental health issues being a contributing factor.
The Lapu Lapu festival, which celebrates Datu Lapu-Lapu, a 16th-century Filipino chieftain who resisted Spanish colonization, had drawn a large crowd to the Sunset neighborhood. Attendees were enjoying traditional food, performances, and festivities when chaos erupted. Eyewitnesses described the scene as horrific, with one witness likening it to a war zone. “It was like seeing a bowling ball hit — all the bowling pins and all the pins flying up in the air,” said Kris Pangilinan, a journalist who was present at the event.
As the SUV sped through the pedestrian-only area, many festival-goers were caught off guard, leading to devastating injuries and fatalities. “There were bodies on the street. They were run over. Some were already dead on the spot,” recounted Abigail Andiso, who was nearby when the tragedy unfolded. Another witness described hearing loud bangs followed by screams as people ran for safety.
In the aftermath, Vancouver police set up a community center at Douglas Park for those who were unable to locate family members who attended the festival. The city’s emergency services were stretched thin as they responded to the mass casualty incident, deploying additional ambulances and medical personnel to assist with the influx of injured individuals.
The festival was not only a cultural celebration but also a significant event for the local Filipino community, which numbers over 38,600 residents, according to the 2021 census. Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim expressed his shock and sadness over the incident, stating, “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.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also offered his condolences, saying he was “devastated to hear about the horrific events” at the festival. His statement emphasized the importance of supporting the victims’ families and the Filipino community during this tragic period. “We are all mourning with you,” he added.
The incident comes just days before Canada’s federal election, scheduled for April 28, 2025, prompting political leaders to pause their campaigns in light of the tragedy. Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party, had attended the festival but left moments before the crash occurred. He expressed his horror at the events, stating, “This is so horrific, I don’t even know what to say.”
As the investigation continues, police have urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Vancouver Police Department’s Major Crime Section is leading the inquiry, and authorities are reviewing video footage and eyewitness accounts to piece together the events leading up to the crash.
Filipino BC, the community organization that organized the festival, released a statement expressing their heartbreak over the tragedy. “We are still finding the words to express the deep heartbreak brought on by this senseless tragedy. We are devastated for the families and victims,” they wrote on social media.
In light of the incident, B.C. Emergency Health Services has increased paramedic support in the area, with additional ambulances deployed to manage the situation. The local community is coming together to support those affected, with mental health resources being made available for anyone needing assistance.
The Lapu Lapu Day festival was intended to be a celebration of resilience and cultural pride, marking the legacy of a national hero who fought against colonial oppression. Instead, it has become a painful reminder of the fragility of safety in public spaces.
As the community mourns the loss of life and grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, the focus remains on providing support to the victims' families and ensuring that such an incident does not happen again. The investigation will seek to uncover the motives behind the driver’s actions and assess any underlying issues that may have contributed to this devastating event.
The city of Vancouver, along with its residents, stands united in grief, vowing to honor the memory of those lost while continuing to celebrate the rich cultural heritage that the Lapu Lapu Day festival was meant to showcase.
