9 Killed After SUV Crashes Into Vancouver Festival, Police Say 'Not Act Of Terrorism'
A man crashed his SUV into a crowd celebrating the 'Lapu-Lapu' Festival, which honours the Philippines' first national hero. The driver has been taken into custody.
At least nine people were killed along with several others injured after a man drove his vehicle at a street festival in Canada’s Vancouver at 8 pm (local time) on Saturday, according to police.
The SUV car ploughed through the ‘Lapu Lapu ’25 Block Party’, held at the busy Fraser Street and East 41st Avenue, resulting in several casualties.
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“We can confirm nine people have died after a man drove through a crowd at last night’s Lapu Lapu Festival," Vancouver police said on X.
Police said they have arrested a “lone suspect" — a 30-year-old man from Vancouver who was known to them — and were not treating the incident as an “act of terrorism."
The crowd was celebrating the Philippines’ first national hero at the annual event. The exact number of casualties remains unclear as emergency services respond to the situation, according to local media.
“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 8 p.m. tonight. The driver is in custody. We will provide more information as the investigation unfolds," the VPD said on X.
Meanwhile, people shared several videos from the scene on social media.
The black SUV that is suspected to be the main vehicle driven into the festival was shown with a crushed front hood and had deployed airbags in the driver’s side window. Dozens of people were seen being tended by first responders and other civilians, while others lay motionless and bloodied on the street.
In a statement, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim said he is shocked and saddened by the “horrific incident" at the Lapu Lapu Day event. “We will work to provide more information as soon as we can, but at this time Vancouver police have confirmed that there are a number of fatalities and multiple injuries," he said.
“Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver’s Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time," he added.
New Democratic Party (NDP) MP Don Davies tweeted about the “horrendous attack", adding that he is “praying for all the victims and their families".
The Lapu-Lapu Festival is one of the biggest celebrations in the Philippines to honour the first Filipino national hero, who fought and defeated Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan in the Battle of Mactan in 1521.
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