Vancouver, Canada – During the “Lapu Lapu Day Block Party” held in Vancouver on Saturday evening (April 26th), a car crashed into a crowd, resulting in multiple casualties. The driver involved has been immediately detained by the authorities, with the case currently under further investigation.
The incident occurred around 8 p.m. at the intersection of East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street. The event was part of the annual Lapu Lapu Day celebration, aimed at honoring Filipino culture and spirit.
According to police reports posted on the social platform X, “A driver drove into the crowd at the block party and has been detained. More details will be released as the investigation progresses.”
Unverified social media videos from the scene showed a large number of police cars, ambulances, and firetrucks rushing in for rescue operations, with several injured individuals on the ground amidst the chaos.
As of now, specific numbers of deaths and injuries have not been officially disclosed by the authorities. Local media mentioned that the accident took place during the peak hours of the event, with many families and children present in the crowd.
The incident has sparked widespread concern. Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim expressed shock and deep sorrow over the “terrible event” on social media platform X, promising to provide more information promptly.
British Columbia Premier David Eby also shared his feelings of shock and heartbreak for the “lives lost and injured” in the incident on the X platform.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney released a statement expressing shock and sadness over the “terrible event” at the Lapu Lapu Day celebration. He extended his deepest condolences to the victims, their families, the Vancouver Filipino community, and all citizens of Vancouver.
Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, in a statement, expressed his shock at the event, offering condolences to the victims and the Filipino community, while also thanking the frontline responders.
“Lapu Lapu Day” is named after the 16th-century Filipino national hero Lapu-Lapu who resisted Spanish colonization. This event marks the second official street celebration organized by the city of Vancouver. The organizers stated that the event aims to promote the “bayanihan spirit” in Filipino culture, which emphasizes collective assistance, unity, and cooperative community values.
The motive behind the incident has not yet been revealed by the police, as the case remains under active investigation.