A devastating tragedy unfolded at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Day celebrations when a man drove his vehicle into a crowd, killing at least nine people and injuring several others. The incident occurred around 8:14 PM on Saturday during the heritage festival honoring Filipino history and resilience.

Vancouver Police quickly arrested a 30-year-old man at the scene. Authorities have ruled out terrorism, but an investigation by the Major Crime Section is underway to determine the motive behind the attack. Graphic footage from the scene showed victims and debris strewn across a long stretch of road, with a black SUV visibly damaged at the front.

Witnesses described the horrifying moment when the vehicle plowed into festival-goers. "People were crying, screaming, and desperately asking for help. It was heartbreaking," said James Cruzat, a local business owner who was attending the event.

Mayor Kenneth Sim expressed deep sorrow, extending his condolences to the Filipino community and promising full support to those affected. "Our thoughts are with all those impacted during this incredibly difficult time," Sim stated.

Prime Minister Mark Carney and several political leaders, including Jagmeet Singh and Pierre Poilievre, conveyed condolences and solidarity with Vancouver's Filipino community, which numbers over 38,600 residents. British Columbia Premier David Eby also pledged provincial support for the victims.

Lapu Lapu Day commemorates Datu Lapu-Lapu, a Filipino hero who resisted Spanish colonization in the 16th century. Organizers had emphasized the festival as a symbol of resilience — a theme now tragically underscored by the senseless act of violence.

As Vancouver mourns, authorities are continuing their investigation while the community rallies around the victims and their families, offering prayers and support in the wake of this heartbreaking event.

A devastating tragedy unfolded at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Day celebrations when a man drove his vehicle into a crowd, killing at least nine people and injuring several others. The incident occurred around 8:14 PM on Saturday during the heritage festival honoring Filipino history and resilience.

Vancouver Police quickly arrested a 30-year-old man at the scene. Authorities have ruled out terrorism, but an investigation by the Major Crime Section is underway to determine the motive behind the attack. Graphic footage from the scene showed victims and debris strewn across a long stretch of road, with a black SUV visibly damaged at the front.

Witnesses described the horrifying moment when the vehicle plowed into festival-goers. "People were crying, screaming, and desperately asking for help. It was heartbreaking," said James Cruzat, a local business owner who was attending the event.

Mayor Kenneth Sim expressed deep sorrow, extending his condolences to the Filipino community and promising full support to those affected. "Our thoughts are with all those impacted during this incredibly difficult time," Sim stated.

Prime Minister Mark Carney and several political leaders, including Jagmeet Singh and Pierre Poilievre, conveyed condolences and solidarity with Vancouver's Filipino community, which numbers over 38,600 residents. British Columbia Premier David Eby also pledged provincial support for the victims.

Lapu Lapu Day commemorates Datu Lapu-Lapu, a Filipino hero who resisted Spanish colonization in the 16th century. Organizers had emphasized the festival as a symbol of resilience — a theme now tragically underscored by the senseless act of violence.

As Vancouver mourns, authorities are continuing their investigation while the community rallies around the victims and their families, offering prayers and support in the wake of this heartbreaking event.