9 killed as driver rams Into Filipino festival crowd in Vancouver

Vancouver, April 27, 2025 — A tragic scene unfolded at a Filipino cultural festival in Vancouver on Saturday evening when a driver plowed through a crowd, killing nine people, authorities confirmed.

The incident occurred during the Lapu Lapu Festival in the Sunset on Fraser neighborhood, an event honoring a 16th-century Filipino anti-colonial leader. Police said they arrested a 30-year-old Vancouver man, who was known to them, but ruled out terrorism as a motive.

"It is not being treated as an act of terrorism," Vancouver police spokesman Steve Rai said, adding it was unclear whether the act was intentional or a devastating accident.

Witnesses described horrifying scenes. Jen Idaba-Castaneto, a festival security guard, said, "There were bodies everywhere—you didn't know who to help first." Footage verified by AFP showed a black SUV with a crumpled hood stopped near scattered debris, while first responders tended to victims on the street.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was "devastated" by the "horrific events," offering condolences to victims' families and the Filipino Canadian community. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre also expressed his shock, while Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos said he was "completely shattered" by the news.

Eyewitness Dale Selipe told the Vancouver Sun she saw injured children lying on the ground. "There was a lady whose eyes were wide open, one leg broken. Someone was holding her hand, comforting her," she recalled.

Festival organizers, Filipino BC, said in a statement, "We are still finding the words to express the deep heartbreak brought on by this senseless tragedy. Right now, our focus is on supporting our community."

King Charles also expressed sorrow, saying he was "profoundly saddened" by the incident.

The Lapu Lapu Festival had included a parade, dance performances, a film screening, and a concert featuring members of the Black Eyed Peas. The celebration came just days before Canada’s federal elections, where economic issues and relations with the U.S. are dominating the campaign.

Authorities continue to investigate the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy.