VANCOUVER: A driver plowed a car into a crowd at a street festival celebrating Filipino heritage in Vancouver on Saturday night, killing at least nine people and injuring over 20 others. The suspect, a 30-year-old Vancouver man, was detained by attendees before police arrested him. Authorities have ruled out terrorism but are investigating whether mental health issues played a role.
The incident occurred around 8 p.m. local time during the Lapu Lapu Day Festival, an annual event in British Columbia honoring an Indigenous Filipino leader who resisted Spanish colonization. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as the vehicle struck attendees, with one comparing it to a "war zone."
Kris Pangilinan (eyewitness), a journalist present at the festival, told authorities, "A car driver just slammed the pedal down and rammed into hundreds of people. It was like seeing a bowling ball hit—all the pins flying up in the air."
Vancouver Police confirmed the suspect acted alone and was known to law enforcement "in certain circumstances." Interim Chief Steve Rai stated the investigation, led by the Major Crime Section, is ongoing.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described the attack as "deeply heart-breaking," confirming nine fatalities and more than 20 injuries, while Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he was "completely shattered" and offered his deepest sympathies to the Filipino-Canadian community; festival organizers Filipino BC expressed devastation in an Instagram statement, calling the tragedy "senseless."
(Note: This news is based on a report from International Media, published on 27/04/2025)
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