A vibrant celebration turned tragic at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver, where a devastating incident resulted in multiple deaths and injuries. On Saturday evening, a driver plowed into a crowd gathered for the annual street festival, leaving the community in shock and grief.
The Horrific Incident at an Iconic Event
The horrific incident occurred just after 8:00 p.m. at the busy Lapu Lapu festival held near East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street in Vancouver. Witnesses reported that a black SUV drove erratically at a high speed before hitting festival-goers. Police confirmed that a 30-year-old local man was arrested at the scene shortly after the attack.
Officers revealed that the driver intentionally plowed into the crowd, resulting in nine tragic deaths and injuries to several others. The motive is still unclear, and active investigations are ongoing to determine the reasons behind this horrific act.
Community in Mourning
The Lapu Lapu Festival is a beloved event celebrating Filipino culture and history, particularly honoring Datu Lapu-Lapu, a revered Filipino hero who resisted Spanish colonialism during the Battle of Mactan in 1521. Officially recognized as Lapu-Lapu Day in British Columbia from 2023, the celebration is a symbol of cultural pride for the Filipino-Canadian community in Vancouver.
Thousands gathered for the festival, which included cultural performances, food stalls, and family-friendly activities. Witnesses recalled scenes of chaos and heartbreak, with people desperately rushing to help injured victims amid the devastation.
One festival participant described the immediate aftermath, saying, “I got out of my food truck and looked out on the street — there were just bodies everywhere. He walked right down the middle.”
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, 2025
Immediate Response and Assistance
Emergency services responded quickly, with the Vancouver Police Department immediately securing the area and taking the suspect into custody. Medical teams treated the injured on the scene and transported several individuals to nearby hospitals for further care.
Leaders across Canada, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim and British Columbia Premier David Eby, expressed their condolences to the victims and their families. The entire country stands in solidarity with the affected community, while an outpouring of grief and condolences has occurred in Vancouver and beyond.
Honouring the Spirit of Lapu Lapu
The Lapu Lapu festival serves not only as a celebration of heritage, but a reminder of resilience and courage – qualities embodied by Datu Lapu-Lapu himself. Organizers and community members pledge to honour the spirit of the festival, even in the face of unimaginable loss.
While the investigation continues to uncover the full details of the tragedy, the focus is on supporting the families of the victims and healing the community. The Vancouver Police Department urges anyone with additional footage or information to come forward to assist in the ongoing investigation.
UPDATE: As of now, we can confirm nine people have died after a man drove through a crowd at last night’s Lapu Lapu Festival. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic incident.
— Vancouver Police (@VancouverPD) April 27, 2025
Moving Forward Together
The devastating events that occurred at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver have left a lasting mark on the community. Yet, amid the grief, there is a collective determination to uphold the meaning of the festival – unity, resilience and pride in cultural identity.
While Vancouver mourns, plans are underway to hold vigils and memorials to honour those who lost their lives. The tragedy has sparked reflection across the country on public safety measures during community events and highlighted the importance of standing together in the face of adversity.
The Lapu Lapu Festival will undoubtedly continue in the years to come, not only as a celebration, but as a tribute to the strength and spirit of a community that refuses to be broken.
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