Tragic Car-Ramming Attack at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Festival Claims 11 Lives, Dozens Injured
Vancouver, Canada – April 27, 2025
In a horrific turn of events, a car-ramming attack at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Festival on Saturday night has left 11 people dead and dozens more injured. The attack occurred near East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street at around 8:00 p.m. PT, just as the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party was winding down after drawing large crowds. Authorities have confirmed that the suspect, a 30-year-old Vancouver man, remains in custody. The incident is not currently being treated as an act of terrorism, officials confirmed, though the scale of the attack has shaken the entire city.
The suspect, whose name has not been released by police, has a troubling criminal history, with over 60 prior police interactions. Vancouver Police have not provided additional details about his motives, but the attack, which involved the suspect driving a black SUV into a crowd of festival-goers, left a wake of devastation.
The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) said that 11 people were confirmed dead at the scene or later in hospital, and over 20 others were injured. The victims have been transported to hospitals across the region, with multiple hospitals reporting casualties, including Vancouver General, St. Paul’s, and Mount Saint Joseph hospitals. The number of fatalities is expected to rise as more victims succumb to their injuries in the coming days. Many of the injured sustained severe trauma, including broken bones, head injuries, and internal injuries, and some are still in critical condition.
Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed the nation’s sorrow over the tragedy, stating that the nation was “heartbroken” by the horrific act of violence. Speaking to reporters, Carney described the attack as “a time meant for joy and celebration, which was instead marred by horrific violence.” He extended his condolences to the victims’ families and added that his thoughts were with the Filipino-Canadian community, as the event had been a cultural celebration for Vancouver’s Filipino population.
Vancouver Police Interim Chief Steve Rai confirmed the tragic incident during a press briefing early Sunday morning. “This is a senseless and tragic event that has left a significant number of individuals injured or dead. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families,” Rai said. The VPD continues to work with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) and other agencies to investigate the details surrounding the attack.
The Lapu Lapu Festival, which honors the Filipino hero and resistance leader Lapu-Lapu, who fought against Spanish colonization in the 16th century, is a significant cultural event for Vancouver’s Filipino community. This year marked the second annual celebration of Lapu Lapu Day in Vancouver, a festival that celebrates the history, culture, and enduring contributions of Filipino-Canadians.
More than 100,000 people attended the festivities during the day, which included traditional Filipino dances, music, food, and a spring football game. The event was a vibrant display of community spirit and cultural pride but was abruptly interrupted by the devastating attack as festival-goers began to leave for the evening.
The Filipino community in British Columbia, which is the third-largest cultural group in the province, has been left reeling by the tragic event. With over 174,000 individuals of Filipino descent living in B.C., the loss has deeply affected the region.
Vancouver Coastal Health declared a “code orange” following the mass casualty event, signaling the need for emergency medical teams and a large-scale response to care for the injured. Several hospitals in the area have been on high alert, with medical teams working around the clock to provide care to the victims.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the attack or the suspect to come forward. The investigation into the incident remains active, with updates expected as the police continue their search for answers.
The community, still in shock, has already begun to come together to support the victims’ families and one another in this dark time. A memorial for the victims is expected to be held in the coming days, and many are organizing fundraisers and support events for those affected by the tragedy.
As the investigation continues, Vancouver residents are coming together, determined to honor the memory of the victims and support those who have been hurt by this senseless act of violence.