VANCOUVER — A festive celebration turned into a scene of horror Saturday night as a vehicle plowed into a crowd attending the Lapu Lapu Day Festival in Vancouver, leaving nine people dead and dozens injured, according to city police.
The incident occurred just after 8:00 p.m. in the Sunset on Fraser neighborhood, where members of Vancouver’s Filipino community had gathered for the annual cultural event commemorating 16th-century Filipino hero Datu Lapu-Lapu. A 30-year-old local man, known to authorities, was arrested at the scene and taken into custody. Vancouver Police confirmed that the driver acted alone and that the incident is not currently being treated as an act of terrorism.
“We can confirm nine people have died after a man drove through a crowd at last night’s Lapu Lapu Festival,” police stated on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). They added that the motive remains under investigation and that mental health concerns are being considered.
Eyewitnesses described the aftermath as chaotic and devastating. “There were bodies everywhere. You didn’t know who to help first,” said Jen Idaba-Castaneto, a festival security guard. Another attendee, Dale Selipe, told local media she saw children among the injured and described a woman with a broken leg lying motionless in the street.
Videos verified by AFP show a black SUV with a damaged front end stopped just meters from where emergency responders were treating victims on the pavement strewn with debris.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed grief over the tragedy. “I am devastated by the horrific events in Vancouver. My deepest condolences go out to the victims, their families, and the Filipino Canadian community,” he wrote on X. The Prime Minister postponed his final day of election campaigning out of respect for the victims.
Britain’s King Charles III, who is also the head of state in Canada, issued a rare personal statement, saying he and Queen Camilla were “profoundly saddened” by the tragedy and extended their “deepest possible sympathy at a most agonising time for so many.”
Local leaders also responded with messages of support. Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim described the incident as heartbreaking. “Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver’s Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time,” he posted on social media.
British Columbia Premier David Eby added, “Shocked and heartbroken. We are mourning with you.”
The Philippine Consulate in Vancouver issued a statement expressing “deep concern and sympathies to the victims of the horrific incident.”
Saturday’s Lapu Lapu Festival, part of a weekend of celebrations ahead of Monday’s Canadian federal election, featured a parade, film screening, and musical performances — including appearances by members of the Black Eyed Peas. What was meant to be a joyful occasion has now left an entire community in mourning.
Authorities are continuing their investigation and have urged anyone with footage or information to come forward.
