Several Dead After Car Plows Into Crowd at Vancouver Festival

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – A horrific incident unfolded Saturday evening at the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party in Vancouver, as a vehicle plowed into a crowd of people, resulting in multiple fatalities and numerous injuries. The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) confirmed the tragic event occurred shortly after 8 p.m. near East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street, where the annual Filipino cultural celebration was taking place.

Scene of Carnage

Eyewitness accounts and social media footage depict a scene of chaos and devastation, with victims and debris scattered across a long stretch of road. A witness told 1130 News Radio that a black SUV sped through the crowd. Videos circulating online show numerous emergency vehicles lining the street, their lights flashing amidst the aftermath. Jen Idaba-Castaneto, who attended the festival, described the scene as heartbreaking and said she was experiencing panic attacks after witnessing the event.

Investigation Underway

The VPD has taken the driver of the vehicle into custody. While the investigation is in its early stages, authorities have not yet determined whether the incident was accidental or intentional. "A number of people have been killed and multiple others are injured after a driver drove into a crowd at a street festival," the VPD said in a statement. "The driver is in custody. We will provide more information as the investigation unfolds."

Community in Shock

The Lapu Lapu Day Block Party is an annual event that celebrates Filipino culture and heritage. The event is named after Lapu Lapu, an Indigenous Filipino hero who resisted Spanish colonization in the 16th century. The festival typically features food, music, and cultural performances, drawing large crowds from Vancouver's Filipino community and beyond.

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim expressed his shock and sorrow in a statement, saying, "I am shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific incident at today's Lapu Lapu Day event. Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver's Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time."

Political Reactions

The incident has prompted reactions from political figures across Canada. Don Davies, a Member of Parliament representing Vancouver Kingsway, referred to the incident as a "horrendous attack" in a post on X. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, who had attended the festival earlier in the day, expressed his condolences, saying he was horrified to learn of the incident. B.C. Premier David Eby also expressed his condolences on social media.

Support for Victims

Victim services are available to those affected by the tragedy. The New Westminster Police Department's Victim Assistance Unit offers 24-hour support, including on-site crisis response, emotional support, and assistance navigating the criminal justice system.

Questions Remain

As the investigation continues, many questions remain unanswered. The motive behind the incident is still unknown, and authorities are working to determine the circumstances that led to the tragedy. The exact number of fatalities and injuries has not yet been officially released. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available.

The Vancouver Police Department is urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward and contact the authorities. The community is grappling with the shock and grief of this senseless act of violence, and support is being offered to those affected.