VANCOUVER — A devastating tragedy struck Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Festival on Saturday night when a black Audi SUV plowed into a crowd of festival-goers, killing at least nine people, including a child, and injuring several others.
The Vancouver Police Department confirmed the deaths late Saturday but said the number of injured victims remains unclear, as patients were rushed to different hospitals across the region.
“It would be unfair to speculate,” said Acting Police Chief Steve Rai during a midnight press conference. “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this horrific time.”
Witnesses described a scene of terror and chaos around 8 p.m. at East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street. Festival attendees screamed and scrambled for safety as the vehicle rammed through vendors and bystanders. “It was like a nightmare,” one shaken witness told Global News. “People were yelling, crying — it was terrifying.”
A 30-year-old Vancouver man, identified as the driver, was arrested at the scene. Authorities confirmed he was known to police, but further details about his motive or mental state have not yet been released. Investigators are urging anyone with additional information to call 604-717-2500.
The Lapu Lapu Festival, officially recognized in British Columbia last year, honors the Filipino spirit of “Bayanihan,” celebrating community unity and shared heritage between British Columbia and the Philippines. Saturday’s festivities had earlier drawn local dignitaries, including Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, Premier David Eby, and members of the provincial legislature. A performance by a member of the Black Eyed Peas had just concluded moments before the attack.
In the aftermath, political leaders from across Canada expressed their shock and sorrow.
Mayor Sim called it a “horrific incident” and pledged full support to the families affected. Liberal leader Mark Carney, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre all issued statements mourning the victims and offering solidarity to Vancouver’s Filipino community.
Premier Eby confirmed that provincial authorities are coordinating with the City of Vancouver to assist as needed.
The Vancouver Police Department continues its active investigation into the incident as the community reels from an unthinkable loss during what was meant to be a celebration of unity and resilience.
