Vancouver, April 26, 2025 — A festive evening turned into a nightmare on Saturday when an SUV drove through a crowded street at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Day festival, leaving multiple people dead and several others injured.
The incident happened just after 8:00 PM local time in the city’s Sunset neighborhood, where thousands had gathered to celebrate Filipino culture with food, music, and performances. According to witnesses, the vehicle sped straight through the packed festival area, hitting people before coming to a stop. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, treating the injured and transporting them to hospitals.
Police have taken a 30-year-old Vancouver man into custody. While they have not released details about his identity or motive, they stated that they do not believe the incident was an act of terrorism. Authorities have also not yet confirmed the exact number of casualties.
Witnesses Describe Chaos and Horror
Festivalgoers who saw the tragedy unfold described a scene of panic and devastation. A food truck vendor told reporters that the SUV “came out of nowhere” and plowed through the crowd, leaving “bodies everywhere.” Videos shared on social media showed the aftermath—paramedics working frantically, bystanders trying to help, and a black SUV stopped in the middle of the street, surrounded by debris.
A Vancouver police spokesperson confirmed that the suspect was subdued by people at the scene before officers arrived. Officials are still working to notify victims’ families, and they have asked the public to avoid spreading unverified casualty numbers.
Leaders React as Investigation Continues
Canadian leaders quickly responded to the tragedy. Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was “devastated” by the loss of life and expressed condolences to the victims and their families. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre called the crash a “senseless act” and extended his sympathies to the Filipino community. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, who had attended the festival earlier in the day, said he was “horrified” by what had happened. The Green Party also shared their condolences, emphasizing support for those affected.
Police are continuing their investigation and are expected to provide more updates Sunday morning. Meanwhile, Vancouver’s Filipino community is in mourning, grappling with the shock of an event meant to be a celebration turning into a heartbreaking tragedy.
