Saturday, March 29, 2025
Vancouver, April 27, 2025 – What began as a joyous celebration turned into a scene of devastation on Saturday evening when a black SUV plowed into a crowd at the Lapu-Lapu Day Block Party in South Vancouver. The incident occurred shortly after 8 PM at the intersection of East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street, leaving several people dead and many others injured. The event, which honors the 16th-century Filipino hero Datu Lapu-Lapu, was in full swing with music, food, and cultural performances attended by hundreds from the Filipino community and local residents.
Eyewitnesses reported that the black SUV, later seen with a broken hood and deployed airbags, sped into the crowd at an estimated speed of 100 km/h without warning. Videos circulating on social media captured chaotic scenes of people scattered across the street, with first responders administering CPR and helping the injured. At least 10 victims were seen lying on the ground with serious injuries, including a heartbreaking report of a child trapped under the vehicle.
The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) confirmed the incident in a statement on social media, acknowledging multiple fatalities and injuries. The driver was taken into custody, and an active investigation is underway to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Authorities have not yet released an official death toll or detailed injury count.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim described the event as a “horrific tragedy” and expressed deep condolences to the victims and the Filipino community. British Columbia Premier David Eby echoed these sentiments and assured that provincial support is being coordinated. “Police are investigating, and a suspect is in custody,” Eby stated.
City Councilor Pete Fry, present earlier at the festival, returned to the scene upon hearing the news. He described the event as a “wonderful celebration” that turned tragic and raised questions about safety protocols. Typically, the city uses dump trucks and other barriers to block streets during festivals, but such measures were reportedly not in place for this event, prompting concerns about crowd protection.
The tragedy has deeply shaken the Filipino community in Vancouver, a vibrant and integral part of the city’s cultural fabric. Social media posts from attendees expressed sorrow and disbelief, mourning what was meant to be a day of pride and unity.
Local hospitals, including Vancouver General Hospital, were placed on high alert to manage the influx of critically injured patients. Medical teams prepared for emergency care as first responders worked tirelessly at the scene. VPD has urged anyone with video footage or eyewitness accounts to come forward to assist with the investigation.
While the driver remains in custody, police have not disclosed the individual’s identity, motive, or whether the incident was intentional or accidental. Forensic teams are reconstructing the event, analyzing surveillance footage, and interviewing witnesses. Authorities are also exploring if this was a targeted attack, an act of terrorism, or a tragic accident.
This incident has drawn parallels to the 2018 Toronto van attack, though no links to national security threats have been confirmed. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Ontario Provincial Police are providing assistance to local authorities.
The tragedy has sparked discussions about public safety at large gatherings and the adequacy of security measures during festivals. Experts and community leaders are calling for enhanced physical barriers and stricter safety protocols to prevent similar incidents. The Filipino community, while grieving, is also rallying for unity and resilience in the face of this calamity.
VPD has committed to providing regular updates and encourages the public to rely on official channels for accurate information.
For the latest developments, visit vancouver.ca or follow #LapuLapuDay on social media.
