At approximately 8:14 p.m., a black Audi SUV drove into a crowd gathered at the intersection of East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street, resulting in 9 fatalities, including a child, and injuring six others .​
Driver, 30, plows SUV into crowd at Vancouver Filipino festival, killing multiple people
Driver, 30, plows SUV into crowd at Vancouver Filipino festival, killing multiple people

Suspect Apprehended at Scene

The driver, a 30-year-old Vancouver resident known to local authorities, attempted to flee on foot but was detained by bystanders until police arrived . He is currently in custody, and the Vancouver Police Department's Major Crime Section is leading the investigation. While the motive remains unclear, officials have not ruled out any possibilities.

The man accused of plowing his SUV through the Lapu Lapu Filipino Festiva
The man accused of plowing his SUV through the Lapu Lapu Filipino Festiva

Eyewitness Accounts Describe Chaos

Witnesses recounted scenes of horror and confusion. One vendor described hearing an engine rev before the SUV barreled through the festival area, striking multiple people . Videos circulating on social media depict the immediate aftermath, showing emergency responders attending to victims amidst debris and a visibly damaged vehicle.​

Community and Political Leaders Respond

The incident has elicited an outpouring of grief and support from both local and national leaders. Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his devastation over the events, stating, "We are all mourning with you" . British Columbia Premier David Eby and Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim also conveyed their condolences and pledged support to the victims and the Filipino Canadian community.​

New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh, who had attended the festival earlier in the day, shared his shock and offered prayers for those affected . Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre labeled the incident a "senseless attack" and emphasized the need for unity in the face of tragedy.​

Festival Background and Security Concerns

The Lapu Lapu Day festival, officially recognized by British Columbia since 2023, honors a 16th-century Filipino hero known for resisting Spanish colonization. The event, organized by Filipino BC and the Sunset on Fraser Business Association, attracts thousands annually to celebrate Filipino culture through performances, food, and community gatherings .​

In light of the attack, questions have arisen regarding event security. Notably, the festival area lacked the protective barriers, such as city dump trucks, that have been used in previous city events to prevent vehicular access . Authorities are reviewing these measures as part of the ongoing investigation.​

Ongoing Investigation

The Vancouver Police Department continues to investigate the incident, seeking to determine the driver's motive and whether the act was intentional. They urge anyone with information or footage related to the event to come forward.​

As the city grapples with this tragedy, support services are being offered to victims and their families, and community vigils are being planned to honor those lost.