VANCOUVER, British Columbia — A vehicle plowed into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Day ‘25 Block Party in Vancouver on Saturday night, April 26, 2025, killing and injuring multiple people, authorities said.
The incident occurred around 8 p.m. near Fraser Street and 43rd Avenue as the festival, a celebration of Filipino heritage, was concluding. The main act, Filipino-American rapper Apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas, had already finished his set, according to reports from the Vancouver Sun.
Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his devastation in an X post, offering condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured, as well as to the Filipino-Canadian community and all Vancouver residents. “We are all mourning with you,” Carney wrote. “We are monitoring the situation closely, and thankful to our first responders for their swift action” (CBC News).
The Embassy of Canada in the Philippines issued a statement, saying it was “devastated and heartbroken by the terrible tragedy” and extending condolences to the victims and their families.
Vancouver police arrested a 30-year-old local man at the scene. Interim Police Chief Steve Rai said bystanders held the suspect until officers arrived, according to a statement from the Vancouver Police Department. The investigation, led by the department’s Major Crime Section, is ongoing, with no motive yet disclosed.
Witness Abigail Andiso described the chaos to the Vancouver Sun, recalling “two loud bangs, then screaming and yelling” as people ran toward East 43rd Avenue, where food trucks and stalls were located. “There were bodies on the street. They were run over. Some were already dead on the spot,” Andiso said, noting she called 911.
The festival organizer, Filipino BC, shared their grief on Instagram: “We are still finding the words to express the deep heartbreak brought on by this senseless tragedy. We are devastated for the families and victims.” The event, held in South Vancouver’s Sunset on Fraser neighborhood, spanned from John Oliver Secondary on East 41st Avenue to East 49th Avenue, with the incident occurring near 43rd Avenue, as confirmed by the Lapu Lapu Day official website.
The exact number of fatalities and injuries remains unclear, as reports have not provided specific figures. Vancouver Coastal Health confirmed a “code orange,” indicating a mass casualty event, with victims sent to multiple hospitals, according to CBC News.
The Lapu Lapu Day Block Party, organized by Filipino BC and the Sunset on Fraser Business Association, is an annual event celebrating the legacy of Lapu Lapu, a 16th-century Filipino anti-colonial leader. The 2025 festival featured music, food, and cultural performances, drawing large crowds to the vibrant community event.
Community leaders, including Elizabeth May, co-leader of Canada’s Green Party, expressed horror and solidarity. “My prayers are with Vancouver and its Filipino community,” May wrote in an X post, calling the incident a heartbreaking attack on a celebration of Filipino culture (BBC News).
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Vancouver Police Department at 604-717-2500. The tragedy has left the Filipino-Canadian community and Vancouver residents grappling with grief, prompting calls for enhanced public safety measures at large gatherings. (sources: wires, PNA)
