Tragedy at Vancouver Filipino Festival: Car Drives Into Crowd, Nine Dead

Vancouver, Canada was shaken Saturday night when a driver crashed a vehicle into a crowd gathered for the Lapu Lapu Day Filipino festival, resulting in at least nine deaths and multiple injuries. The horrifying incident unfolded just after 8 p.m. in a South Vancouver neighborhood, turning a joyful community event into a scene of chaos and heartbreak.

Authorities confirmed that the suspect, a 30-year-old Vancouver man, was arrested at the scene. Police have stated there is no indication of terrorism, but have not yet released further details about the suspect or any possible motive.

Disturbing videos circulated online show the aftermath: victims and debris scattered along the street, with at least seven people lying motionless and a black SUV left mangled at the front. Eyewitness James Cruzat, a local business owner, described hearing a revving engine and a loud bang—initially mistaking it for gunfire—before witnessing people running and crying for help. He called the scene "unimaginable" and "heartbreaking," noting that it felt surreal, like something out of a movie.

Vancouver Mayor Kenneth Sim shared his condolences, expressing shock and sadness at the "horrific incident," and acknowledged the deep impact on Vancouver’s Filipino community. Prime Minister Mark Carney also offered his sympathies, stating, "We are all mourning with you."

The Major Crime Section of the Vancouver Police is leading the investigation, and officials promise more updates as information becomes available. For now, the community is left grieving—and searching for answers—after an ordinary festival night was shattered in seconds.