Vancouver Festival Tragedy: Driver in Custody After Fatal Crash

A tragic incident unfolded at the Lapu Lapu Day Festival in Vancouver on Saturday evening, April 26, when a driver crashed into a crowd, killing multiple people and injuring others.

The Vancouver Police Department has arrested a 30-year-old local man in connection with the incident, which occurred at the intersection of East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street.

Fatal Crash Disrupts Festival

The festival, organized by Filipino B.C. and the Sunset on Fraser Business Association, was celebrating Lapu Lapu Day, a provincial commemoration of Datu Lapu-Lapu, a Filipino chieftain revered for resisting Spanish colonization in the 16th century.

Authorities estimate that up to 100,000 people attended the event, which honored Canada’s nearly one million Filipino immigrants and their descendants, with British Columbia hosting a significant portion of this community.

Shortly after 8:00 p.m., a vehicle drove into the crowd, prompting a swift response from emergency services.

Acting Police Chief Steve Rai confirmed the driver’s arrest, noting that members of the crowd subdued the suspect before police arrived.

The incident triggered a code orange declaration due to the mass casualty event, with Vancouver General Hospital receiving multiple injured patients.

Official Responses and Condolences

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim expressed profound grief, stating, “I am shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific incident.”

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also shared his condolences on social media.

Leaders of the Conservative Party and the NDP echoed similar sentiments of sorrow.

Ongoing Investigation

The Vancouver Police Department has not disclosed the exact number of fatalities or injuries, describing them only as “multiple.”

Authorities have also refrained from speculating on the driver’s motive, though they noted the suspect was previously known to police.

Local media captured scenes of ambulances and police vehicles lining the streets, with emergency workers attending to victims on the ground.

The Lapu Lapu Day Festival, officially recognized by British Columbia in 2023, is a vibrant celebration of Filipino heritage.

Saturday’s tragedy has cast a shadow over the event, leaving the community in mourning as investigations continue.