Five-Year-Old Among 11 Dead as SUV Mows Down Crowd at Vancouver Festival
A black SUV ploughed into a buzzing street festival in Vancouver, Canada, killing 11 people — including a five-year-old child. The horror unfolded at around 8pm on Saturday, April 26, during the Lapu Lapu Day festival, a celebration by the city’s Filipino community.
Chaos at Lapu Lapu Day Festival
Hundreds had gathered for the festivities honouring a 16th-century anti-colonial hero when disaster struck. Witnesses say a black Audi with a crumpled bonnet careered through the crowd like a battering ram. Victims ranged from five to 65 years old, with many more injured.
Scenes resembled a war zone — bodies sprawled across East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street.Emergency crews rushed to treat wounded festival-goers amid shattered debris.
Suspect Arrested, Terrorism Ruled Out
A 30-year-old man, believed to be acting alone, was arrested at the scene. Police confirmed he was known to mental health services. Acting Chief Steve Rai said the suspect apologised after the rampage. Terrorism has been ruled out, but the investigation continues.
“It was like a war zone… There were bodies all over the ground,”
– Eyewitness Kris Pangilinan
Another witness, James Cruzat, described hearing a revving engine and a loud bang before panicked crowds fled in terror.
Tributes Pour In Across Canada and Beyond
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim stood with the Filipino community, while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called the tragedy “devastating.” Political leaders including NDP’s Jagmeet Singh, Conservative Pierre Poilievre, and even the British Royal Family expressed condolences.
“Both my wife and I were profoundly saddened to learn of the dreadful attack and utterly tragic loss of life in Vancouver,”
– King Charles
Flowers and a panda plush toy now mark the spot where joy turned to heartbreak. Police urge any witnesses or those with footage to come forward and help piece together the horrific events that shattered a community’s celebration.
