Chaos Erupts In Vancouver Lapu Lapu Festival After SUV Crashes Into Crowd, 9 Killed
A devastating incident unfolded in Vancouver, Canada, on Saturday night when an SUV crashed into a crowd of Filipino festival-goers, killing at least nine people and injuring many others. The chaos was captured in horrific videos shared on social media. The incident occurred during Lapu Lapu Day celebrations, a public holiday honouring Filipino heritage.
The Vancouver Police Department confirmed that several people have been killed. “A number of people have been killed and multiple others are injured after a driver drove into a crowd at a street festival at E. 41st Avenue and Fraser shortly after 8 p.m. tonight,” the police wrote on X.
Police said that the driver of the SUV is in custody. However, it is unclear how the person drove into the crowd.
Social media videos show a strong police presence on Fraser Street and East 43rd Avenue, with first responders providing medical care to injured individuals on the scene.
A festival attendee, Jen Idaba-Castaneto, described the scene as heartbreaking, saying, “We’re all OK physically, but I’m still shaken up. I’m in shock and have been experiencing panic attacks after witnessing everything that happened.”
Castaneto added that the experience was terrifying, something “I never imagined I would see, especially during what was supposed to be a joyful event for our community.”
“We will provide more information as the investigation unfolds,” a spokesperson has said.
Canadian politician David Eby responded to the incident on social media, saying, “Shocked and heartbroken to hear of the lives lost and those injured at the Lapu Lapu festival. Police are investigating and a suspect is in custody. We are in contact with the City of Vancouver and will provide any support needed. My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones,” he wrote.
Canadian politician Patrick Weiler wrote, “My thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, the Filipino community and everyone affected by the horrific act of violence at the Lapu Lapu festival today. The VPD is investigating, the driver is in custody, and it’s important that we let law enforcement do their job.”
