Nine Killed, Multiple Injured as SUV Plows into Filipino Heritage Festival Crowd in Vancouver
- Victor Nwoko
- Apr 27
- 2 min read
At least nine people were killed and an unknown number injured when a vehicle drove into a crowd attending the Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver, Canada, authorities confirmed Sunday. The tragedy occurred at 8:14 p.m. on Saturday, when a black SUV entered the street and struck numerous festival-goers.
A 30-year-old Vancouver man was arrested at the scene, with the Major Crime Section leading the ongoing investigation. Interim Vancouver Police Chief Steve Rai announced that bystanders initially apprehended the suspect before police took him into custody. Video footage circulating online shows a young man in a black hoodie pinned against a chain link fence, surrounded by a security guard and a crowd shouting at him. In the video, the man can be heard apologizing and clutching his head.
Authorities stated that there is no indication the incident was an act of terrorism. Chief Rai confirmed the suspect is a "lone male" known to police under certain circumstances, but declined further comment on the video.
The festival was held in South Vancouver to honor Lapu-Lapu, a 16th-century Indigenous chieftain celebrated for resisting Spanish colonization. Organizers described Lapu-Lapu as symbolizing native resistance and an enduring influence on Filipino identity.
Social media videos captured the horrifying aftermath, showing victims and debris scattered across a long stretch of road. Still photos revealed at least seven people lying motionless, while the SUV involved was visibly damaged at the front.
Witness James Cruzat, a Vancouver business owner attending the event, described hearing a car revving its engine followed by a loud bang. “We saw people on the road crying, others running, shouting, even screaming, asking for help,” Cruzat said. “It was terrible to see that kind of incident. It was heartbreaking. Normally we see that on TV or in movies, but when you are actually there, it’s shocking. You couldn’t do anything but pray for them.”
Vancouver Mayor Kenneth Sim expressed sorrow over the incident, promising that the city would provide updates as more information becomes available. "I am shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific incident at today’s Lapu Lapu Day event. Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver’s Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time," Sim wrote.
According to Statistics Canada, Vancouver had more than 38,600 residents of Filipino heritage as of 2021, representing 5.9% of the city’s population.
The tragedy also drew swift reactions from national political leaders. Prime Minister Mark Carney extended his condolences, saying, "We are all mourning with you." Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party who had attended the festival earlier, offered his sympathies to the victims and the Filipino community. Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre and British Columbia Premier David Eby also shared messages of support and pledged assistance to the city as needed.
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