Vancouver, BC, Canada (WNEWS BREAKING) – A festive evening turned tragic in Vancouver’s Sunset neighbourhood on Saturday, April 26, when a black SUV drove into a crowd gathered for the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party, a celebration of Filipino heritage. The incident occurred around 8:00 p.m. at the intersection of East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street, resulting in multiple fatalities and numerous injuries.
The incident happened just after 8 p.m. on Saturday when the vehicle – a black SUV – plowed into people attending the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party, which is an annual celebration honouring the Philippines’ first national hero.
“A number of people have been killed and multiple others are injured after a driver drove into a crowd at a street festival,” Vancouver Police said in a statement. “The driver is in custody. We will provide more information as the investigation unfolds.”
Footage from the scene showed multiple victims on the ground, some of whom appeared dead or seriously injured. The victims were hit while walking or waiting at food trucks which are lined up along the road.
The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) confirmed that the driver is in custody. While the motive remains unclear, authorities have not ruled out any possibilities, including the potential of a deliberate act.
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.” – Vancouver Police via X
A large number of emergency services are at the scene. It’s unclear whether the crash was an accident or intentional, but Don Davies, a member of parliament representing the Vancouver Kingsway district, called the incident a “horrendous attack” in a post on X.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim expressed his condolences, stating, “I am shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific incident at today’s Lapu Lapu Day event. Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver’s Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time.”
I am shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific incident at today’s Lapu Lapu Day event. We will work to provide more information as soon as we can, but at this time @VancouverPD have confirmed that there are a number of fatalities and multiple injuries. Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver’s Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time.” – Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim
This Breaking News Alert will be updated as new information is added.
