A tragic incident at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Day Block Party on Saturday, April 26, 2025, left several people dead and multiple others injured after a driver crashed into a crowd.
The incident occurred shortly after 8 p.m. at East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street in the Sunset on Fraser neighbourhood, where the Filipino community was celebrating. Vancouver Police confirmed the driver is in custody and is investigating, but have not determined if the crash was intentional or accidental.
The second annual Lapu Lapu Day festival, honouring the Philippines’ first national hero, Datu Lapu-Lapu, featured music, food, and cultural performances, drawing thousands to celebrate Filipino heritage. Social media footage showed emergency crews responding amid chaotic scenes, with victims on the ground. Authorities have not released the exact number of casualties, but the incident has deeply shaken the community.
VANCOUVER CAR RAMMING ATTACK: Multiple people have been killed and dozens injured after a driver rammed an SUV into a crowd celebrating Lapu-Lapu Day, a Filipino heritage festival, in Vancouver on Saturday evening. Police confirmed the incident occurred shortly after 8 PM local… pic.twitter.com/7drgRwtS13
— Crown Intelligence Group (@crownintelgroup) April 27, 2025Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed devastation, stating on X, “I offer my deepest condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured, to the Filipino Canadian community, and to everyone in Vancouver.” Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim called the event a “horrific incident,” adding, “Our thoughts are with all those affected.” NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, who attended the festival earlier, said he was “horrified” by the loss of “innocent people.”
I am devastated to hear about the horrific events at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver earlier this evening.
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…
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) April 27, 2025The investigation is ongoing, with police promising updates as more details emerge. The Filipino community and residents of Vancouver mourn while they await answers.
