A street festival in Vancouver turned tragic Saturday night after a driver plowed into a crowd celebrating Lapu Lapu Day, killing several people and injuring many others.
Vancouver Police confirmed the incident on X, saying, “A number of people have been killed and multiple others are injured. The driver is in custody.” The crash occurred shortly after 8:00 PM in the Sunset on Fraser neighborhood.
The gathering, which honored Filipino hero Lapulapu’s victory against colonial forces in 1521, drew a large turnout from Vancouver’s Filipino community. Mayor Ken Sim expressed sympathy, writing, “Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver’s Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time.”
Eyewitness accounts painted a devastating scene. Festival security guard Jen Idaba-Castaneto told Vancouver Is Awesome, “You don’t know who to help, here or there. It’s so shocking.”
British Columbia Premier David Eby said he was “shocked & heartbroken” over the incident, while New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh echoed, “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families — and Vancouver’s Filipino community.”
Photos shared by CBC earlier in the day showed crowds enjoying the street festivities, which included a parade, cultural performances, a film screening, and a concert featuring members of the Black Eyed Peas.
Authorities have not yet released additional details about the suspect or the motive behind the deadly crash.
The tragedy comes just ahead of Canada’s federal election on Monday, where Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal Party is favored to win after a tight race against the Conservatives.
