The peaceful evening of music, food, and celebration in Vancouver took a horrific turn on Saturday night as a black SUV plowed into a crowded street festival, resulting in unimaginable horror.
Authorities described the aftermath as chaotic and devastating, with several people killed and many more injured. Witnesses at the scene estimated that around 20 individuals had been harmed in the tragic incident.
According to the Vancouver Police Department, the deadly incident unfolded shortly after 8pm as hundreds had gathered for the community event.
The festival attendees, who were commemorating Lapu Lapu Day to honor Filipino heritage, were caught off guard as a driver suddenly drove into the crowd, causing what was described as a scene of complete chaos and carnage.
‘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 8pm tonight,’ Vancouver Police confirmed in an initial statement posted to X.
The driver of the SUV was taken into custody and was telling bystanders he was ‘sorry’. Sources say he appears to have been suffering from mental health issues.
The Vancouver Police Department has not yet released an official death toll, referring only to ‘a number of people’ confirmed dead.
Multiple others were transported to local hospitals, their conditions were unknown as of late Saturday night.
Authorities confirmed that the driver of the vehicle was taken into custody at the scene, though the identity of the suspect has not yet been released.
Police have not said whether the incident was intentional or the result of reckless driving, but an active investigation is underway.
Usually the city parks dump trucks to block streets for festivals but for whatever reason that didn’t happen on Saturday.
The VPD emphasized that they would be providing updates as the investigation progresses.
‘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 we have confirmed that there are a number of fatalities and multiple injuries,’ Vancouver’s Mayor Ken Sim said in a statement.
‘Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver’s Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time.’
Major crime detectives and collision reconstruction teams remained at the scene late into the evening, scouring the area for evidence and interviewing witnesses.
The festival had drawn families, children, and neighbors from across Vancouver, many eager to enjoy the warm spring evening, unaware of the horror about to unfold.
Instead, the street became a makeshift triage center as bystanders rushed to provide first aid before paramedics could arrive.
Videos posted on social media showed stunned festivalgoers standing beside twisted tents, toppled chairs, and scattered belongings, the aftermath of what should have been an ordinary, joyous community event.
Eyewitness videos from the scene show severe injuries among festival attendees, including reports of a baby trapped under a vehicle, while emergency responders could be seen performing CPR on victims.
Police have asked anyone with video footage of the incident or who witnessed the crash to contact them immediately.
‘Today was supposed to be a joyful and proud moment for my Filipino community – a celebration of Lapu Lapu Day at our Block Party. It was meant to be a day filled with music, food, laughter, and the honoring of our heritage. Instead, it turned into one of the most traumatizing days we will never forget,’ wrote Jen Idaba-Castaneto who attended the celebration.
‘After the event, a tragic accident occurred that took multiple lives. What was supposed to end with smiles and memories became a nightmare. Families, friends, and loved ones are now mourning and in shock. It’s heartbreaking beyond words.
‘Our community came together to celebrate our history, but we are now united in grief. My heart is broken for everyone affected by this tragedy. Please keep everyone involved in your prayers,’ Idaba-Castaneto went on.
‘We will remember those we lost today, and we will honor their memory in the way we continue to support each other through this unbearable pain.’
