Vancouver festival horror as multiple dead after car ploughs into crowd

Several people were killed and more injured when at a festival attended by dozens of revellers, as arrested the driver of the vehicle.

The horror unfolded at the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party in Vancouver, on Saturday evening, near East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street. Emergency services rushed to the scene shortly after the crash and the driver was arrested, although the motive behind the attack is currently unknown. Video shared on social media showed victims and debris strewn across a long stretch of road, with at least seven people lying immobile on the ground.

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Vancouver Police said in a statement: "Vancouver Police investigates mass casualty incident at neighbourhood block party. A suspect has been arrested by Vancouver Police after several people were killed and multiple others injured at a neighbourhood street party in South Vancouver earlier tonight.

"At approximately 8:14 p.m. on April 26, a man drove into a large crowd of people attending the Lapu Lapu Day Festival near East 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street. A 30-year-old suspect, a Vancouver man, was arrested at the scene.

"The investigation is ongoing and is being led the Vancouver Police Department’s Major Crime Section. Anyone with information is asked to call 604-717-2500."

The Lapu Lapu Day Block Party is a yearly Filipino cultural event held in Vancouver's Sunset on Fraser neighbourhood. This year's festivities included food, music, and cultural performances.

One person who had earlier attended the festivities said: "Took some time off work to reconnect with the community — and what a day it’s been. Started the morning living out my passion for the environment at Surrey’s Planet Party, the biggest celebration of its kind.

"But tonight ended heavy. Just minutes ago, tragedy struck at the Lapu-Lapu Festival where I stood just hours earlier — a black SUV drove into the crowd lining up at the food trucks, leaving people hurt and lives lost. In the middle of all the joy, we are reminded how fragile life is.

"As I now sit quietly over wine with friends downtown, where music plays and pianos duel, my heart is with the victims, their families, and the entire community."

Ken Sim, Vancouver mayor, said: "I am shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific incident at today’s Lapu Lapu Day event. We will work to provide more information as soon as we can, but at this time police have confirmed there are a number of fatalities and multiple injuries. Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver’s Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time."

The community is reeling from the horrific incident. Further details have not been released by authorities as the investigation is ongoing. A video making rounds on X shows what seems to be over a dozen police cars lining the street with red and blue lights flashing non-stop.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney added: "I am devastated to hear about the horrific events at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver earlier this evening. 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. We are monitoring the situation closely, and thankful to our first responders for their swift action."

NHL side the Vancouver Canucks said on social media: "We are heartbroken by the tragic events that occurred tonight at the Lapu Lapu Day celebration. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families and everyone impacted, including Vancouver's Filipino community. We extend our deepest condolences and support during this unimaginably difficult time."