Shocking footage from Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Day festival in Canada reveals the devastating aftermath of a vehicle plowing into a crowd, resulting in multiple fatalities and numerous injuries.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening near East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street during the Filipino community’s second annual celebration. Police have apprehended the driver, and an investigation is underway. Disturbing video footage circulating on social media shows emergency responders tending to victims, with a damaged black SUV visible at the scene.
Lapu Lapu Day, a significant event for Vancouver’s Filipino community, commemorates Lapu Lapu, a resistance leader who opposed Spanish colonization in the 16th century. The festival honors Filipino values, particularly the spirit of bayanihan, symbolizing community solidarity.
The footage from the scene showed several individuals lying injured on the road, as first responders worked quickly to assist. Photos from the site also revealed a black SUV with extensive front-end damage, prompting questions about the incident’s cause.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his deep sorrow over the tragedy, offering condolences to the victims’ families and the Filipino Canadian community.
In a social media post, Carney wrote, “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 you.” He also praised first responders and assured the public that the government was closely monitoring the situation.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim shared his shock and sadness, stating, “I am shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific incident at today’s Lapu Lapu Day event. We will work to provide more information as soon as we can, but at this time @VancouverPD have confirmed that there are a number of fatalities and multiple injuries. Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver’s Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time.”
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh expressed his horror, saying, “Horrified to learn of an incident at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Day celebrations that injured and killed innocent people.” He extended his thoughts to the victims, their families, and the Filipino community.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also reacted, stating, “Shocked by the horrific news emerging from the festival at Vancouver. My thoughts are with the Filipino community and all the victims targeted by this senseless attack. Thank you to the first responders who are at the scene as we wait to hear more.”
The driver of the vehicle involved in the incident has been detained, but authorities have not yet released further details regarding the driver’s identity or the circumstances of the attack. As the investigation continues, the Filipino community in Vancouver and the broader city mourn the tragic loss.
