Vancouver Car Ramming Killed 11 at Filipino Festival, Dozens Injured
Vancouver, B.C. — A vehicle plowed into a crowd at a Filipino cultural festival in Vancouver on Saturday evening, killing 11 people and injuring dozens more, authorities reported. The incident occurred around 8:14 p.m. local time during the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party, a street festival celebrating Filipino heritage, held in the South Vancouver neighborhood.
The driver, a 30-year-old Vancouver resident with a documented history of mental health issues, was apprehended at the scene by festival attendees and taken into police custody. Officials have charged him with murder but have stated that the attack is not considered an act of terrorism.
The black SUV involved drove recklessly through a densely packed area near East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street, striking numerous people and colliding with food trucks lining the street. Witnesses described the vehicle initially moving slowly before accelerating and causing widespread devastation.
The victims range in age from 5 to 65 years old, including a young girl and her parents. Over 20 people were reported injured, some critically, and were transported to nine local hospitals. Authorities have cautioned that the death toll may rise in the coming days as some injured remain in critical condition.
Vancouver’s interim police chief Steve Rai emphasized the senseless nature of the tragedy, noting that there were no prior threats or indications of planned violence at the festival.
The event had attracted approximately 100,000 attendees
with many still present when the incident occurred.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed sorrow over the attack, describing it as a horrific event. Local officials and community leaders have extended their condolences to the victims’ families and the Filipino community, which had gathered to celebrate their culture and heritage.
Emergency responders and bystanders rushed to aid the injured immediately after the crash. Graphic footage shared on social media showed chaotic scenes of first responders treating victims amid debris from damaged food trucks and festival booths17.
The investigation is ongoing, with police continuing to gather evidence and interview witnesses. Authorities have reassured the public that there is no ongoing threat and that the suspect acted alone.
