Tragedy struck Vancouver on Saturday night when a man drove a black SUV into a crowd gathered at the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party, a popular annual festival celebrating a Filipino national hero.
The driver of the SUV was taken into custody and was telling bystanders he was “sorry.” Sources say he appears to have been suffering from mental health issues.
According to officials and eyewitnesses, the horrific incident occurred just after 8 p.m., leaving 11 people dead and many others injured.
Shocking footage from the scene showed multiple victims lying motionless on the ground, with others visibly wounded. Witnesses reported that the man drove the SUV into festival crowd as they were walking or lining up at food trucks that had been stationed along the street for the celebration in Vancouver.
“A number of people have been killed and multiple others are injured after a driver drove into a crowd at a street festival,” Vancouver Police said in an official statement.
Authorities confirmed that the driver was immediately taken into custody, but the investigation into his motives and the nature of the crash remains ongoing.
A number of people have been killed and multiple others are injured after a driver drove into a crowd at a street festival at E. 41st Avenue and Fraser shortly after 8 p.m. tonight. The driver is in custody. We will provide more information as the investigation unfolds. pic.twitter.com/Iqh5AK5Au3
— Vancouver Police (@VancouverPD) April 27, 2025
Emergency personnel flooded the area in response to the chaos, providing medical assistance and securing the festival grounds around East 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street.
The severity of the situation has left the local community shaken, though it remains unclear at this stage whether the crash was an accident or an intentional act.
The incident quickly drew strong reactions from public officials. Don Davies, a member of Parliament representing Vancouver Kingsway, described it as a “horrendous attack” in a post on X (formerly Twitter), suggesting early concerns that the act may have been deliberate.
Just heard the tragic news of the horrendous attack at the Lapu Lapu festival. I am praying for all the victims and their families.
— Don Davies (@DonDavies) April 27, 2025
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim also addressed the tragedy, expressing grief and solidarity with the Filipino community. “I am shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific incident at today’s Lapu Lapu Day event,” Sim said. “Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver’s Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time.”
Authorities have yet to release a full casualty count or the identities of the victims. They are urging the public to avoid speculation as investigators work to piece together exactly what led to the devastating scene.
As of now, Vancouver Police have committed to providing more information as their investigation progresses.