VANCOUVER, April 27 – A festive evening in Vancouver turned into a scene of chaos and heartbreak when a vehicle plowed into a crowd attending a Filipino cultural festival. The incident, which took place on Saturday night near East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street, resulted in multiple fatalities and numerous injuries, leaving the community in shock and mourning.
Police reported that the tragedy occurred just after 8 p.m. during the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party, an event held to celebrate a national hero from the Philippines. Authorities have confirmed that a 30-year-old Vancouver man was arrested at the scene. He was initially detained by attendees before being taken into custody by responding officers. Police stated the suspect was known to them under “certain circumstances,” but no further details were provided regarding his background or any potential criminal record.
At a midnight press conference, law enforcement officials emphasized that there was only “one suspect, one vehicle,” and that the act was not believed to be related to terrorism. Investigators are looking into the possibility that mental health issues may have played a role in the tragedy. The Major Crime Section of the Vancouver Police Department is leading the investigation, and authorities have appealed to the public for any information or footage that may aid their inquiry.
Heartbreak and Chaos at the Lapu Lapu Festival
Witnesses described scenes of utter devastation following the attack. The vibrant street, lined with food stalls, live music performances, and dancing families just moments earlier, was transformed into what some described as a “war zone.”
One festival attendee, a food truck operator, recalled hearing the sudden roar of an engine. When he stepped outside, he was met with the horrifying sight of bodies strewn across the street. “He went through the whole block, straight down the middle,” the man said, his voice breaking with emotion.
Another eyewitness, a journalist who happened to be at the festival, compared the scene to “a bowling ball hitting pins,” with people thrown into the air as the vehicle barreled through the crowd. Footage from the event captured the devastating aftermath, with debris littering the street, food stalls toppled over, and emergency crews hurrying to assist the injured.
A black SUV, identified as the suspect’s vehicle, was found with a smashed front end sitting in the middle of the road. Its driver’s side door was left open as police officers began their inspection. Sirens wailed in the background as authorities cordoned off the area and urged bystanders to clear the scene to allow first responders access.
Thousands of people had gathered at the festival throughout the day, celebrating Filipino heritage with cultural dances, music, and food. Families, many with young children, had been enjoying the festivities before the tragic event unfolded.
Leaders and Community Mourn the Victims
The shock of the incident was felt across the nation. Prime Minister Mark Carney shared his heartbreak on social media, extending his sympathies to the families of the victims and the Filipino Canadian community. “We are standing with you in this time of sorrow,” he said.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim and British Columbia Premier David Eby also shared messages of support, extending their sympathies to those affected. Both leaders emphasized that their thoughts were with the victims, their families, and the entire community shaken by the senseless act.
The organizers of the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party, a community group known as Filipino BC, issued a heartfelt statement expressing their grief. “We are struggling to find the words to describe the immense grief caused by this senseless tragedy,” they said. “Our deepest sympathies are with everyone suffering from this unimaginable tragedy.”
Jagmeet Singh, the leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party, had attended the festival but left shortly before the attack occurred. In an emotional response, he reflected on the joy he had witnessed just moments earlier among children and families and expressed deep sorrow over the tragic turn of events.
The federal election in Canada is scheduled for Monday, adding another layer of emotion and gravity to an already heart-wrenching situation.
As the investigation continues, Vancouver Police have urged anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant information to come forward. The community remains united in grief, supporting the families of those killed and injured, and honoring the spirit of togetherness that the festival had originally celebrated.