The Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver turned tragic on Saturday night when a vehicle plowed into a large crowd, killing nine people and injuring several others. The incident occurred around 8:14 p.m. near East 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street, leaving the vibrant Filipino cultural festival in shock and grief.
What happened at Lapu Lapu festival?
According to official updates, a man drove an SUV into the heart of the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver, disrupting a vibrant street party honoring Filipino heritage. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the vehicle began moving erratically across the festival grounds before hitting attendees. Emergency services responded immediately, and the suspect, a 30-year-old Vancouver resident, was immediately taken into custody at the scene.
A huge police presence was deployed following the horrific incident, with authorities confirming that several people lost their lives and many others were injured. The motive behind the horrific incident at the Lapu Lapu festival is still under investigation.
Community in Shock After Vancouver Tragedy
Leaders across Canada expressed their condolences following the tragic incident. The Prime Minister of Canada shared his grief, calling the incident horrific, while the Mayor of Vancouver and the Premier of British Columbia offered their heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.
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
Thousands of people had gathered at the Lapu Lapu Festival to celebrate Filipino culture. Witnesses reported the vehicle revved its engine loudly before striking the crowd. Festival vendors and attendees recalled scenes of panic, with bodies lying in the street and emergency crews rushing to help.
Cultural Significance of Lapu Lapu Festival
The Lapu Lapu Festival is an important cultural event for the Filipino community in Vancouver. It honors Datu Lapu-Lapu, a revered Filipino hero who defeated Spanish colonists during the Battle of Mactan in 1521. Officially recognized by British Columbia as Lapu-Lapu Day from 2023, the celebration is organized by Filipino BC and the Sunset on Fraser Business Association.
Held in the culturally rich Sunset neighbourhood of South Vancouver, the Lapu Lapu festival includes music, dance performances, food stalls, and community celebrations stretching from East 41st Avenue to East 49th Avenue. It is a celebration of resilience, history, and community spirit.
This year, the event was in full swing when tragedy struck. What was supposed to be a joyous occasion ended in sadness for many families and community members who came together to honour their roots.
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
Vancouver Incident Investigation Underway
Officials in Vancouver have launched a full investigation into the incident that took place at the Lapu Lapu festival. As of now, no information has been released about the suspect’s motive. Law enforcement officials are piecing together witness statements, video footage, and other evidence to understand how and why this horrific incident occurred.
The Vancouver Police Department has assured the public that they will provide updates during the investigation. In the meantime, the community continues to recover from the impact of the loss.
Community United In Mourning
The devastating attack at the Lapu Lapu festival has left a lasting mark on Vancouver’s diverse community. Vigils and memorials are already being held in honour of the victims, and many are calling for increased security measures at public events.
As the community gathers to mourn and remember those lost, the spirit of the Lapu Lapu festival – which celebrates courage and resistance – serves as a reminder of the resilience and unity of Vancouver’s Filipino population.
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