Lapu-Lapu Festival in Vancouver - Car crashes into crowd
Police report several fatalities and many injuries. The Filipino community in Vancouver, Western Canada, was celebrating one of its national heroes with a street festival.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening in Vancouver's Sunset on Fraser neighborhood. For reasons still unknown, a man drove his vehicle into a crowd during the street festival. Several people were killed and many more injured, the police department of the coastal city in western Canada reported on the online service X. The exact number of victims will be released once all relatives have been informed.
The suspect is known to the policeThe suspected perpetrator is in custody, the statement added. He is a 30-year-old man from Vancouver who is known to authorities, a police representative later said at a press conference. Police say they do not currently suspect a terrorist motive.
Eyewitnesses reported earlier that it was a joyful celebration with thousands of visitors. The daily newspaper "The Vancouver Sun" reported that many people were still on the streets after a concert. Then a car drove into a pedestrian area.
A radio station, citing an eyewitness, reported that screams were suddenly heard as an SUV drove through the crowd, hitting more than a dozen people. The driver reportedly attempted to flee on foot, but was detained by several people at the scene.
According to Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, the city's Filipino community was celebrating the annual Lapu Lapu Festival, which honors the Philippine national hero Lapu Lapu, who led the fight against Spanish colonial rule in the 16th century. Since 2023, April 26 has officially been Lapu Lapu Day in the Canadian province of British Columbia. Mayor Sim reacted with horror, saying, "Our thoughts are with all those affected and with the Filipino community."
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney wrote on X that he was "deeply shocked by the horrific events at the Lapu-Lapu Festival in Vancouver." Addressing those affected, he added: "We mourn with you."
Parliamentary elections on MondayCanada will hold parliamentary elections on Monday. According to polls, Prime Minister Carney's ruling Liberal Party is the favorite. The vote is taking place against the backdrop of the tariff dispute with its neighbor triggered by US President Donald Trump . Trump has also repeatedly threatened to make Canada the 51st US state.
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