Nine people were killed after a driver plowed into a crowd at a Filipino street festival in the Canadian city of Vancouver, local police said.
"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 posted on X (formerly Twitter).
"A number of people have been killed and multiple others are injured," police also said.
According to a report by Agence France Presse, the driver has been taken into police custody.
The incident took place during the Lapu-Lapu Day Block Party around 8 p.m. (0300 GMT Sunday) near East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street.
The incident happened as members of the Filipino community gathered to celebrate Lapu-Lapu Day, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim posted on X.
The festival commemorates a Filipino anti-colonial leader from the 16th century.
"Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver's Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time," Sim wrote.
"A lone suspect, subject male with one vehicle, drove through a crowded community event occurring near here. That male was taken into custody at the scene by the crowd. It was a Filipino community event,” Vancouver Police interim chief Steve Rai said in Mav Gonzales’ Sunday report on “24 Oras Weekend."
“It would be unfair for me to speculate on exact numbers, as the victims were taken to multiple hospitals in the region,” he added.
Photos published by Canadian broadcaster CBC showed emergency crews at the scene as well as large crowds at the block party earlier Saturday, April 26, 2025.
Festival security guard Jen Idaba-Castaneto told local news site Vancouver Is Awesome that she saw "bodies everywhere."
"You don't know who to help, here or there. It's so shocking," she said.
British Columbia Premier David Eby said he was "shocked & heartbroken" by the news in a post on X.
Lapu-Lapu Day is celebrated in the Philippines in remembrance of indigenous chief Lapu-Lapu, who led his men to defeat Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in battle in 1521.
PH Consulate expresses concern
The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver, Canada on Sunday, April 27, 2025, expressed concern on the deadly incident, said a report of GMA News Online.
“The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver expresses its deep concern and sympathies to the victims of the horrific incident at the Lapu-Lapu Day Block Party today,” the consulate said in a statement.
“As we await more information about the incident, we pray that our community remains strong and resilient imbued with the spirit of ‘bayanihan’ during this difficult time,” it added.
In his X account, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed devastation at the news.
“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 you,” Carney said.
“We are monitoring the situation closely, and thankful to our first responders for their swift action,” he added.
Statement of President Marcos, Jr.
President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on Sunday, April 27, 2025, sympathized with the families of the victims, according to a report on GMA News Online.
In a statement, Marcos said that the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver is now working with Canadian authorities to ensure the thorough investigation of the incident, and that the victims and their families are given support and consoled.
“I am completely shattered to hear about the terrible incident during a Lapu-Lapu Day Block Party in Vancouver, BC, Canada,” the President said.
“On behalf of the Philippine Government and the Filipino people, Liza and I would like to express our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and to the strong and thriving Filipino community in Canada,” he added.
(via Agence France Presse)
