A tragic incident occurred in Vancouver, Canada, on the evening of April 25 when a car plowed through a crowd at the Lapu-Lapu Festival on Fraser Street. The incident happened shortly after Blackeyed Peas’ Apl.de.ap had finished his performance, with many festival-goers still present at the scene.
Cliff Belgica from the United Filipino Canadian Associations in British Columbia (UFCABC) reported that many people were lined up at food trucks along the block when the car, driven by a 30-year-old Vancouver man, plowed through the crowd at 43rd Avenue near Fraser Street.
Kris Pangilinan, a witness to the event, described how a volunteer lifted a barrier before the car sideswiped a male attendee, then accelerated into the crowd. Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim confirmed the tragedy, stating, “We will work to provide more information as soon as we can, but at this time [Vancouver Police Department] have confirmed that there are a number of fatalities and multiple injuries.”
Prime Minister Marc Carney extended his condolences, saying, “I offer my deepest condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured, to the Filipino Canadian community, and to everyone in Vancouver. We are all mourning with you.” British Columbia Premier David Eby also offered support to the victims’ families.
Vancouver Police arrested the suspect at the scene, and an investigation is ongoing by the Major Crime Section. The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver expressed its sympathies, and UFCABC urged the community to remain united during this difficult time.
Migrante BC also called for a transparent investigation into the incident, offering support to the community. The Department of Foreign Affairs has yet to release a statement on the tragedy.