A five-year-old child is among 11 people tragically killed after a black SUV ploughed into a crowd gathered for a street festival in Vancouver, Canada.
The horrifying incident unfolded at around 8pm local time on Saturday, April 26, during the Lapu Lapu Day festival, a celebration held by Vancouver’s Filipino community to honour a 16th-century anti-colonial leader. Hundreds of people were attending when chaos erupted.
Witnesses described scenes of devastation after a black Audi, with a severely mangled bonnet, careered through the crowd. Vancouver Police confirmed that the victims ranged in age from five to 65 years old, and several more people were injured in the crash.
Footage and photos from the scene showed emergency responders treating victims on the ground, festival-goers desperately trying to assist the wounded, and debris scattered across E. 41st Avenue and Fraser Street.
A 30-year-old man, believed to be acting alone, was arrested at the scene. Vancouver Police Acting Chief Steve Rai said the suspect, who reportedly apologised after the crash, was known to police and mental health services. Officers have ruled out terrorism as a motive but said the investigation remains ongoing.
Eyewitness Kris Pangilinan told CBS how the driver appeared to “slam the pedal down,” hitting victims “like bowling pins.” He said: “It was like a war zone… There were bodies all over the ground.”
Another witness, James Cruzat, recalled hearing the car’s engine rev before a loud bang, then seeing terrified people running and crying for help.
The suspect’s vehicle, a black Audi, came to a stop near a food truck after the collision. Emergency services responded quickly, securing the area and beginning rescue operations.
In a press conference, Chief Rai confirmed: “The driver is in custody. A number of people have been killed and multiple others are injured. We will provide more information as the investigation unfolds.”
Tributes have poured in following the tragedy. Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim expressed solidarity with the Filipino community, while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was “devastated” by the events. Political leaders including NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, and the British Royal Family, via a message from King Charles, also shared their condolences.
King Charles said: “Both my wife and I were profoundly saddened to learn of the dreadful attack and utterly tragic loss of life in Vancouver, which took place as the Filipino community came together to mark the celebration of one of their most special festivals.
In the aftermath, flowers and tributes, including a panda plush toy, were left at the scene in memory of the victims.
Police have urged anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant footage to come forward to assist the investigation.
The Lapu Lapu festival, which featured a parade, dancing, and performances — including appearances by two members of the Black Eyed Peas — was brought to a devastating end by the tragedy.
