A devastating incident occurred at Vancouver's Lapu Lapu street festival on Saturday, resulting in the loss of at least nine lives. According to Vancouver police, a man deliberately drove an SUV into a crowd of festival-goers, leaving a trail of destruction and grief.

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In a somber update on X, Vancouver police confirmed the tragic loss of nine lives. "Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic incident," the police statement read.

Authorities have arrested a 30-year-old local man, who is a "lone suspect" known to them. Police have confirmed that the incident was not an act of terrorism.

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#Breaking Tragedy at Vancouver's Lapu Lapu Day Block Party. A Black SUV plows into crowd, killing several and injuring over a dozen according to Vancouver Police. The Driver in custody and Police investigating motive. #Vancouver #LapuLapuFestival pic.twitter.com/CgV64PMUuj
— SLCScanner (@SLCScanner) April 27, 2025
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Eyewitnesses described the horrific scene, with one witness, Dale Selipe, recounting seeing injured children on the street. Festival security guard Jen Idaba-Castaneto said she saw "bodies everywhere."

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We are devastated and heartbroken by the terrible tragedy during the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver.

We offer our deepest condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured and we join the Filipino-Canadian community in their time of grief. 🇨🇦🇵🇭 pic.twitter.com/2E7XrPX6ae
— Canada in the Philippines (@CanEmbPH) April 27, 2025

Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his condolences, saying he was "devastated" by the "horrific events." British Columbia Premier David Eby and Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim also offered their condolences to the victims and their families.

Vancouver community festival. The 20-year-old who drove an SUV into the crowd, killing 16, has been arrested. His ID has not been revealed yet.

He says he's sorry. He appears to be of Filipino or South Korean descent.

Philippino Lapu Lapu festival was the occasion. pic.twitter.com/njtwUTi2BV
— Imtiaz Mahmood (@ImtiazMadmood) April 27, 2025

The Philippine consulate in Vancouver expressed its deep concern and sympathies to the victims of the horrific incident.

Lapu Lapu Day celebrations

The incident occurred during the Lapu Lapu Day celebrations, which commemorate a Filipino anti-colonial leader from the 16th century. The festival featured a parade, film screening, dancing, and a concert.