Nine killed as car plows into crowd at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu festival

Police confirm tragic loss as Vancouver’s Filipino community mourns.

Vancouver Police interim chief Steve Rai speaks during a news conference about a vehicle and suspect involved in an incident at the annual Lapu Lapu festival celebrating Filipino culture at East 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street in south Vancouver on April 26, 2025. Photo by Don MacKinnon/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

A devastating scene unfolded on Saturday evening as a car crashed into a large crowd during Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu festival, leaving nine people dead and injuring several others. The Vancouver Lapu Lapu festival car crash occurred just days before Canada’s federal election, casting a shadow over national celebrations and political campaigning.

Police in Vancouver reported the tragic events via X (formerly Twitter), confirming the loss of life and announcing the arrest of a 30-year-old Vancouver man at the scene. Authorities quickly sought to ease public fears, stating that “at this time, we are confident that this incident was not an act of terrorism.”

Lapu Lapu festival turns to heartbreak

The incident happened during the Lapu Lapu Day celebrations, a major event for Vancouver’s vibrant Filipino community. The festive atmosphere, filled with families and children, turned into chaos shortly after 8:14 p.m. local time. Witnesses shared harrowing images on social media, showing bodies strewn across the street and a black SUV with significant front-end damage.

New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh, who had been attending the event to canvass ahead of Monday’s vote, expressed his horror at the tragedy. Speaking emotionally to reporters, Singh said, “Kids are there, families are there, and then a vehicle drove through and killed and injured people. I don’t have words to describe.” Singh also suggested the Filipino community had been “targeted,” adding that the community was now “reeling” from the devastation.

Community leaders react to the Vancouver car crash

The Vancouver Lapu Lapu festival car crash has deeply affected Canada’s Filipino community, one of the country’s largest immigrant groups. More than 950,000 Canadians trace their heritage to the Philippines, according to the 2021 census, making it the third-largest source country for immigration after India and China.

The Philippine consulate in Vancouver quickly responded, offering condolences and calling for unity. In a statement, the consulate expressed "its deep concern and sympathies to the victims of the horrific incident" and encouraged resilience through bayanihan, the Filipino spirit of communal unity.

“We pray that our community remains strong and resilient imbued with the spirit of bayanihan,” the consulate said on Saturday night.

Political leaders offer condolences

The tragedy at the Lapu Lapu festival drew swift reactions from political leaders across Canada. Liberal Party leader Mark Carney, who is currently campaigning for reelection, expressed his sorrow.

“I am devastated to hear about the horrific events at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver earlier this evening,” Carney stated. “I offer my deepest condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured.”

Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre also condemned the incident, calling it a “senseless attack” and offering thoughts and prayers to the Filipino community and all the victims.

The shocking events unfolded just as Canadians prepare to head to the polls. Political analysts had suggested Carney’s Liberal Party might be gaining momentum ahead of Monday’s election, but the tragedy has added an emotional weight to the final days of the campaign.

Ongoing investigation into the Vancouver festival tragedy

As investigations continue, police are working to piece together the events that led to the deadly crash. Although authorities have ruled out terrorism, they have yet to announce whether the incident was a deliberate act or a tragic accident.

The suspect’s identity has not been officially released, and no charges have been announced as of Sunday morning. Vancouver police have urged witnesses and anyone with information to come forward to aid the investigation.

Residents and members of the Filipino community gathered for a vigil near the scene late Saturday night, lighting candles and offering prayers for those who lost their lives and those still recovering from their injuries.

A community in mourning

The Vancouver Lapu Lapu festival car crash has left an indelible mark on Vancouver’s Filipino community, a group known for its close-knit ties and vibrant cultural contributions to Canadian society. As families mourn loved ones and await updates on the injured, the sense of shock and grief remains profound.

“This is supposed to be a time of joy for us,” said one local resident attending the vigil. “Now, it’s a time of sadness. We will need each other more than ever.”

The tragic events at the Lapu Lapu festival are a reminder of the fragility of life and the resilience of community spirit. As Vancouver and Canada move forward from this painful weekend, the memory of those lost will remain at the heart of collective efforts to heal.