Ottawa:
Tragedy struck the Canadian city of Vancouver as multiple deaths have been reported following a horrific incident at a street festival. The local police revealed that the incident occurred at around 8 pm (local time). The tragic event took place as members of the Filipino community gathered in large numbers to celebrate Lapu Lapu Day in the Sunset on Fraser neighbourhood of the city. The driver involved in the incident has been apprehended by the police.
“A number of individuals have lost their lives, and numerous others have sustained injuries after a driver drove into a crowd at a street festival at E. 41st Avenue and Fraser shortly after 8 p.m. tonight. The driver is now in custody. More information will be provided as the investigation progresses,” stated the Vancouver Police.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the incident was a deliberate car attack or an unfortunate accident.
Witnesses who were present at the scene recounted how a black SUV sped through the festival, striking multiple people in its path as it plowed through the crowd. They mentioned that the driver of the vehicle seemed to be a young Asian man who appeared to be mentally challenged.
Several videos capturing the tragic incident have emerged on social media, depicting bodies lying on the street in the aftermath of the car attack, with emergency responders rushing to aid those who were still alive.
Initial reports indicate several casualties and over a dozen injuries after an SUV rammed into a closed-off street filled with individuals celebrating the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, Canada. pic.twitter.com/cLQQPfOMCq
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) April 27, 2025
Vancouver’s Mayor Ken Sim expressed his shock and deep sadness over the tragic incident at the Lapu Lapu Day event.
“Our thoughts are with all those impacted and with the Filipino community in Vancouver during this incredibly challenging time,” he added.
New Democratic MP Don Davies also took to Twitter to condemn the ‘horrendous attack’, offering prayers for the victims and their families.
“Just heard the tragic news of the horrendous attack at the Lapu Lapu festival. I am praying for all the victims and their families,” he said.
About Lapu Lapu Festival
The festival commemorates a Filipino anti-colonial leader, Datu Lapu-Lapu, from the 16th century. Lapu-Lapu was the Philippines’ first national hero, known for leading the victory against Spanish colonisers in the 1521 Battle of Mactan.
