Tragedy Strikes Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Festival: Driver in Custody After Fatal Crash

A horrific incident marred the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party in Vancouver, where a vehicle plowed into a crowd, leaving multiple people dead and others injured. The Vancouver Police Department has arrested the driver responsible for the crash, which occurred during a vibrant celebration of Filipino culture. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities promising further details as they emerge.

The tragedy unfolded around 8 p.m. local time near East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street in South Vancouver, where the Filipino community was gathered for the second annual Lapu Lapu Day festival. According to the Vancouver Police, the vehicle struck festivalgoers, causing numerous casualties. A black SUV, suspected to be involved, was photographed at the scene with significant front-end damage. Social media videos circulating online showed emergency responders tending to injured individuals lying on the ground, highlighting the severity of the incident.

Lapu Lapu Day honors a 16th-century Filipino resistance leader who fought against Spanish colonization, symbolizing the spirit of bayanihan a Filipino value of collective community effort. The Vancouver event, organized to celebrate this heritage, was a joyous occasion until the devastating crash disrupted the festivities.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed profound sorrow over the incident, stating on X, “I am devastated to hear about the horrific events at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver earlier this evening. I offer my deepest condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured, to the Filipino Canadian community, and to everyone in Vancouver. We are all mourning with you.” He noted that the government is closely monitoring the situation and thanked first responders for their swift actions.

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim also shared his grief on X, writing, “I am shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific incident at today’s Lapu Lapu Day event.” He confirmed multiple fatalities and injuries, as reported by the Vancouver Police, and promised additional updates as soon as possible. Sim extended his thoughts to the affected families and Vancouver’s Filipino community during this challenging time.

Other political leaders echoed these sentiments. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh posted on X, expressing horror at the incident that “injured and killed innocent people” during the festival. He offered condolences to the victims, their families, and the Filipino community. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also took to X, describing the news as “horrific” and thanking first responders while expressing solidarity with the Filipino community and all victims.

The Vancouver Police have not yet released specific details about the number of casualties or the driver’s motives, but they confirmed the suspect is in custody. The investigation continues to unfold, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward. The incident has cast a shadow over what was meant to be a celebration of cultural pride and community unity in Vancouver’s Filipino community.