Key Points
- Multiple fatalities and numerous injuries after an SUV drove into a crowd at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Day Filipino festival on Saturday night.
- The incident occurred just after 8 p.m. at East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street, with thousands in attendance.
- The 30-year-old male driver, a Vancouver resident, is in police custody; motive remains unclear.
- Shocking social media videos show chaos, injured victims, and a heavy emergency response.
- Local leaders and Canadian officials express shock and condolences; investigation ongoing.
Ottawa: A festive evening turned into a nightmare in Vancouver, Canada, as an SUV plowed into a crowd celebrating Lapu Lapu Day, a major Filipino cultural festival, on Saturday night. The mass-casualty event took place just after 8 p.m. at the intersection of East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street, a bustling area packed with food stalls, performers, and families.
Scene of Chaos and Heroic Response
Eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene as the dark-colored SUV barreled through the festival, leaving bodies and debris scattered across the street. Social media videos captured the immediate aftermath: bloodied and motionless victims, bystanders screaming in shock, and emergency responders rushing to provide aid. One witness recalled, “I stepped out of my food truck, looked down the street, and there were bodies everywhere. He went through the entire block, driving straight down the middle”.
Emergency services, including police, fire, and ambulances, arrived within minutes. First responders were seen administering CPR and tending to the injured, while festival-goers and volunteers tried to help before ambulances could reach the victims.
Driver in Custody, Motive Unclear
The Vancouver Police Department confirmed that the 30-year-old male driver is in custody. Authorities have not yet released his identity or a possible motive for the attack. The exact number of fatalities and injuries remains unconfirmed as the investigation continues, but officials have described it as a “mass casualty event”.
Festival Marred by Tragedy
The Lapu Lapu Day festival is a vibrant annual celebration honoring Datu Lapu-Lapu, a Filipino national hero, and is recognized as a major cultural event for Vancouver’s large Filipino community. What was meant to be a joyful evening of music, dance, and food quickly turned into a scene of heartbreak and panic.
Jen Idaba-Castaneto, a festival attendee, described the trauma: “We’re all OK physically, but I’m still very shaken up. I’m in shock and have been experiencing panic attacks after witnessing everything that happened. I never imagined I would see something like this, especially during what was supposed to be a joyful event for our community”.
Outpouring of Condolences and Calls for Support
Canadian leaders, including Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim and British Columbia Premier David Eby, expressed shock and deep sadness, offering condolences to the victims, their families, and the Filipino community. Prime Minister Mark Carney and local politicians have pledged support and called for a thorough investigation.
City Councillor Pete Fry, who attended the festival earlier, noted the absence of typical street-blocking safety measures, raising questions about event security.
Investigation Underway
Police are urging the public to avoid speculation as they investigate the motive and circumstances surrounding the tragedy. More details are expected as authorities review surveillance footage and interview witnesses.
