By Elke Porter | WBN News Vancouver | April 27, 2025

On April 26, 2025, tragedy struck Vancouver’s Filipino community when a 30-year-old Vancouver man drove a black SUV into a crowd attending the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party. The devastating incident occurred around 8:14 p.m. PDT on Fraser Street, near East 41st and 43rd Avenues, leaving at least nine people dead and multiple others injured.

The Lapu Lapu Day festival, celebrating Filipino culture and heritage, had attracted nearly 100,000 people throughout the day. Filipino-American rapper Apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas had performed earlier in the festivities. As the event was winding down, the SUV sped through a pedestrian-only area lined with food trucks, with witnesses describing the horrifying sounds of “thud-thud-thud” as victims were struck without warning.

Eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos and devastation. One food truck owner described bodies scattered across the street, comparing the impact to “a bowling ball hitting pins.” A security guard added that there were “bodies everywhere” in the immediate aftermath.

The driver attempted to flee the scene on foot but was quickly apprehended by bystanders and handed over to Vancouver Police. Interim Police Chief Steve Rai stated that the suspect was known to police “in certain circumstances” but confirmed that the incident is not believed to be an act of terrorism. The Vancouver Police Department’s Major Crime Section is leading the ongoing investigation, with the suspect’s motive still unknown.

Emergency response teams arrived swiftly. BC Emergency Health Services deployed multiple ambulances, paramedics, and additional crews to handle the mass casualty event. Victims were transported to various hospitals, and a 24-hour assistance center was established at Douglas Park Community Centre for families trying to reunite with loved ones. Victim services are available at 1-800-563-0808 or via email at 211-victimlinkbc@uwbc.ca.

The incident has deeply shaken Vancouver’s vibrant Filipino community. Filipino BC, a local organization, expressed devastation and urged community members to seek mental health support. Political leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, BC Premier David Eby, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, all issued public statements of condolence. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also extended sympathies, commending the resilience of the Filipino-Canadian community.

Fraser Street between 43rd and 46th Avenues remained closed into early Sunday as police continued their investigation.

The Lapu-Lapu Day festival, now in its second year, commemorates Lapu-Lapu, a 16th-century Filipino hero celebrated for resisting Spanish colonization. It stands as a powerful symbol of Filipino strength, culture, and resilience.

Right now on TikTok, videos are coming out mentioning that creators are left wondering if this has anything to do with the upcoming election, and also wondering why there were no barricades on either side of the festivities placed by the City of Vancouver, like other street festivals.

Authorities urge anyone with video footage or information to contact the Vancouver Police Department as the investigation continues.

TAGS: #Vancouver News #Breaking News #Lapu Lapu Festival #Filipino Community #Festival Tragedy #South Vancouver #Vancouver Police #Community Support #WBN News Vancouver #Elke Porter

Connect with Elke at Westcoast German Media or on LinkedIn: Elke Porter or contact her on WhatsApp:  +1 604 828 8788

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