Vancouver, Canada — A joyous evening turned into a nightmare on Saturday when a car drove into a crowd attending the annual Lapu-Lapu Day Festival, leaving nine people dead and an unknown number injured. The horrific incident occurred around 8 p.m. local time on Lapu Lapu Street, where hundreds had gathered to celebrate the legacy of the Filipino national hero.
Canadian authorities confirmed late Saturday night that a 30-year-old Vancouver man was arrested at the scene. Officials quickly sought to calm the public, stating that they are “confident” the act was not related to terrorism. Nonetheless, the tragedy is being treated as a “mass casualty incident,” and investigations remain ongoing to determine the precise circumstances and motive behind the crash.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos and devastation in the moments following the collision. Festival-goers who had been laughing, dancing, and celebrating just moments earlier were seen rushing to aid the wounded, as emergency services descended on the site. Some witnesses reported hearing the revving of an engine before the car hurtled into the crowd, though authorities have yet to confirm those details.
First responders, including paramedics, firefighters, and police officers, worked urgently to triage the injured and provide life-saving care. Ambulances transported the critically wounded to nearby hospitals, while others were treated at the scene.
Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his heartbreak and solidarity in a statement shared across social media:
“I am devastated to hear about the horrific events at the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival in Vancouver. 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. We are monitoring the situation closely and are thankful to our first responders for their swift action.”
The Lapu-Lapu Day Festival is a vibrant, family-friendly event that annually honors Lapu-Lapu, a hero revered for resisting Spanish colonization in the Philippines. The festival has traditionally been a celebration of Filipino culture, heritage, and pride — bringing together community members with food, music, and cultural performances.
In the wake of the tragedy, grief has swept through Vancouver’s Filipino community and beyond. Vigils are already being organized, with community leaders calling for solidarity, compassion, and support for the families affected by the unimaginable loss.
“We gathered to celebrate our history and unity, and now we are left grieving together,” said one festival organizer through tears. “But we will stand together. We owe that to those we lost.”
Police have asked anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who has video footage, to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation. Authorities have not yet released the names of the victims pending notification of next of kin.
As Vancouver mourns, the focus remains on honoring the lives lost, supporting the wounded and their families, and healing as a community. Plans for a citywide memorial service are already underway, with leaders vowing to remember the victims and ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.
This devastating incident marks one of the deadliest mass casualty events in Vancouver’s recent history, casting a somber shadow over what was meant to be a joyful celebration of resilience and heritage.