Nine Dead as SUV Ploughs into Crowd at Vancouver Street Festival
A horrific crash has shattered the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party in Vancouver, British Columbia. Nine people have died, and several more were injured after a vehicle tore through a crowd celebrating the Philippines’ national hero.
Chaos Strikes During Festival
The carnage unfolded at about 8:14pm Saturday near 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street, where thousands had gathered for the festivities. A black SUV, later found with heavy front-end damage, rammed through the crowd.
Police swiftly arrested a 30-year-old Vancouver man “known” to authorities. Officials stressed the attack was not terrorism.
Heroic Public Detains Suspect
Interim Chief Constable Steve Rai revealed the driver was restrained by members of the public before cops arrived. “There is no further danger to the public,” he assured at a midnight briefing.
He confirmed upcoming security for Sunday’s major 10km Sun Run race will go ahead as planned despite the tragedy.
Eyewitnesses Describe Horror
One horrified witness told CTV News the vehicle appeared to be driving erratically just before the deadly strike.
“I looked down the road and there’s just bodies everywhere. He went through the whole block, straight down the middle,”
said Yoseb Vardeh, a local food truck owner who heard the engine roar moments before the smash.
Community Leaders Speak Out
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his shock on social media:
“I am devastated to hear about the horrific events at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver. My deepest condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured. We are all mourning with you.”
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim echoed the grief:
“I am shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific incident at today’s Lapu Lapu Day event. Our thoughts are with Vancouver’s Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time.”
Other leaders, including British Columbia Premier David Eby and opposition leader Pierre Poilievre, called the tragedy “shocking” and “heartbreaking”.
Jagmeet Singh, leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party, revealed he had been at the festival but left just minutes before the attack:
“This is so horrific, I don’t even know what to say,”
he told CTV.
Investigation Underway
Festival organisers said they are “devastated for the families and victims” and are struggling to find words for such a senseless tragedy.
Police are probing the incident and urge anyone with video or information to come forward. Authorities insist there is no wider public threat.
This tragedy strikes only days before Canadians head to the polls for a national election, casting a sombre shadow over the country.
