The Lapu-Lapu Festival Vancouver Tragedy claimed 11 lives and injured several others on Saturday night after a vehicle plowed into a crowd at East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street around 8 PM local time.
According to Vancouver police, the driver involved is currently in their custody, but authorities have yet to release the suspect’s identity.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim confirmed that there were several fatalities and multiple injuries, assuring the public that more information will be shared as soon as possible.
Mayor Sim also expressed his condolences to the families of the victims.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, who attended the festival before the incident, described the event as “horrifying” and extended his sympathies to the Filipino community and all the victims.
Singh also thanked the first responders who immediately assisted at the scene.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, although no exact count of the injured has been finalized yet.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also addressed the tragedy, confirming that 11 people died during the “Lapu-Lapu Day ’25 Block Party.”
Vancouver police stated that a 30-year-old male suspect, known to local authorities, was arrested at the scene.
Officials emphasized that they are confident the incident was not an act of terrorism.
Witnesses recounted that festival attendees initially apprehended the suspect before police arrived.
The injured victims were rushed to various hospitals across the city for treatment.
The crash occurred shortly after 8 PM, during the ongoing Lapu-Lapu Day Block Party at East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street.