In a devastating incident on Saturday evening, at least nine people lost their lives when a vehicle drove through a crowd celebrating the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, Canada. The tragedy unfolded near East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street in South Vancouver, shattering what was meant to be a joyful celebration of Filipino culture.
Horrific Scene at the Festival
The Lapu Lapu Festival, which honors the Filipino Indigenous leader Datu Lapu Lapu-known for defeating Spanish colonial forces in 1521-attracted thousands of attendees. Witnesses described scenes of utter chaos as a black SUV sped through the crowd shortly after 8 p.m. local time, striking more than a dozen people.
Eyewitness Abigail recounted the panic: “Everyone was panicking. When I went towards where the car was, I saw many injured, some already dead-broken arms, broken bodies, about 20 to 30 casualties.” Another witness, Yoseb Vardeh, co-owner of a food truck at the event, said, “I heard the engine rev and a speeding vehicle. When I looked, there were bodies everywhere. The SUV went through the whole block, straight down the middle.”
Social media footage and photos from the scene showed victims lying motionless on the street amid debris, and the black SUV with a crumpled front end still present.
Police Response and Investigation
Vancouver police quickly responded and arrested the 30-year-old male driver at the scene. Authorities confirmed he is known to police in some circumstances but emphasized that the incident is not being treated as an act of terrorism. The suspect’s mental health is reportedly under scrutiny.
Interim Police Chief Steve Rai refrained from releasing full casualty details initially, citing the need to notify victims’ families first. Police described the event as a “mass casualty” incident and continue their investigation into the motive.
Community and Official Reactions
The Filipino community and the city of Vancouver are reeling from the tragedy. Festival organizers expressed profound heartbreak on social media, stating, “We are devastated for the families and victims.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his devastation and extended condolences to the victims, their families, and the Filipino Canadian community. “We are all mourning with you,” he wrote, acknowledging the swift action of first responders.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Lim also shared his shock and sorrow, promising to provide further information as it becomes available and sending thoughts to those affected.
The attack occurred just two days before Canada’s parliamentary elections, causing a temporary pause in political campaigning out of respect for the victims and the community.
The tragic event at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Festival has left a community in mourning and raised urgent questions about public safety and mental health. As investigations continue, the city and nation stand united in grief and support for those impacted by this heartbreaking loss.