VANCOUVER, BC – What began as a vibrant celebration of Filipino culture turned into tragedy Saturday evening when a vehicle drove into a crowd at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Day Block Party, resulting in multiple deaths and numerous injuries.
The driver, who has not yet been publicly identified, was taken into custody at the scene. Authorities are investigating whether the incident was intentional or accidental.
Incident Overview
The incident occurred at approximately 8:00 p.m., near the intersection of East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street, where streets had been closed to accommodate the festival. Witnesses reported that a black SUV breached the barriers and struck festival attendees gathered near food vendors and cultural displays.
Emergency responders arrived within minutes, providing first aid and transporting injured individuals to area hospitals.
The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) confirmed that multiple fatalities occurred but have not yet released an official count, pending notification of next of kin. Police also stated that the driver acted alone and that there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
Event Background and Organizers
The Lapu Lapu Day Block Party is organized by Filipino BC in collaboration with the Sunset on Fraser Business Association. The event commemorates Lapu Lapu, a 16th-century Filipino chieftain renowned for resisting Spanish colonial forces at the Battle of Mactan in 1521.
Festival Director Joe Tuliao said the day was intended to honor resilience, community, and shared humanity, deeply rooted in the Filipino cultural concept of Kapwa (shared identity).
“Lapu Lapu is our first Indigenous hero who won the Battle of Mactan against [explorer] Magellan, pushing back Spanish colonization,” Tuliao told CityNews.
“We take this day seriously to celebrate our culture, our resilience, and perseverance.”
This year’s festival featured cultural showcases, performances by Filipino and Black Canadian artists, traditional food vendors, and headline acts by Apl.de.Ap and J. Rey Soul of the Black Eyed Peas — both of whom were confirmed safe.
The event, scheduled to conclude at 8:00 p.m., was abruptly and tragically cut short just as activities were winding down.
Official Statements
In addition to expressions of sympathy from city and community leaders, the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver issued an official statement on Saturday evening:
“The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver expresses its deep concern and sympathies to the victims of the horrific incident at the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party today. As we await more information about the incident, we pray that our community remains strong and resilient, imbued with the spirit of bayanihan during this difficult time.”
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim also extended his condolences:
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic events at the Lapu Lapu Day celebration. Vancouver mourns with the Filipino community and with the victims’ families.”
Member of Parliament Don Davies described the event as a “horrendous tragedy,” calling for solidarity and support for the affected families.
Community Response
The Filipino-Canadian community, one of Vancouver’s largest immigrant populations, has responded with profound grief and unity.
Community leaders and Filipino BC are coordinating a public candlelight vigil in honor of the victims.
Metro Vancouver is home to an estimated 100,000 Filipino residents, accounting for nearly 20 percent of Canada’s Filipino population. Filipino Canadians have a strong presence in healthcare, education, the service industries, and the cultural life of the city, contributing significantly to Vancouver’s diversity.
Counseling services and support resources are being arranged for affected families, survivors, volunteers, and witnesses. City and community organizations have called for compassion and resilience as the investigation continues.
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
