A man has been taken into custody after a black SUV drove into a crowd at a Filipino street festival in Vancouver, killing and injuring an unknown number of people, according to officials and witnesses.
The tragic incident occurred just after 8 p.m. on Saturday during the annual Lapu Lapu Day Block Party, a celebration honoring the Philippines’ first national hero. The festival was taking place near E 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street, a busy area lined with food trucks and family activities.
Footage from the scene showed devastating images of victims lying on the ground, some appearing to be seriously injured or deceased. Witnesses say many were hit while walking or waiting for food.
In an early statement, Vancouver Police confirmed:
“A number of people have been killed and multiple others are injured after a driver drove into a crowd at a street festival. The driver is in custody. We will provide more information as the investigation unfolds.
A large emergency response quickly flooded the scene, with ambulances and police securing the area. It remains unclear whether the incident was an accident or intentional.
Don Davies, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Kingsway, described the tragedy as a “horrendous attack” in a post on X (formerly Twitter), suggesting the possibility of deliberate action.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim expressed his sorrow in a statement:
“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.”
Authorities are urging anyone with information or footage of the incident to contact Vancouver Police as the investigation continues.
