A peaceful celebration of Filipino culture turned tragic in Vancouver Saturday evening after a vehicle plowed into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party, leaving multiple people dead and injured. Authorities confirmed they’ve arrested a 30-year-old suspect, who was "known" to police but have not yet disclosed motives or exact casualty numbers.
The incident occurred around 8 p.m. near East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street, where families had gathered for food, music, and dance. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with a black SUV striking people near food trucks as victims lay on the ground. "I was just there… I saw kids smiling and dancing," said Canadian opposition leader Jagmeet Singh, who had left minutes before the crash.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called the events "devastating," while Vancouver’s mayor and local leaders expressed grief on social media. The festival honors Lapu Lapu, a 16th-century Filipino leader who resisted colonial rule, and was officially recognized last year by British Columbia.
With Canada’s federal election days away, the tragedy has shaken the nation. Thousands attended the event, underscoring its significance to the Filipino diaspora. Investigations are ongoing. 🕊️💔
