What was supposed to be a joyful celebration of Filipino culture turned into a nightmare Saturday night in Vancouver.
At around 8:14 p.m., a black SUV tore through crowds gathered for the Lapu Lapu Day Festival, killing and injuring several people.
Shockingly, it was festivalgoers themselves who helped tackle and detain the 30-year-old suspect before police swooped in.
Authorities have ruled out terrorism but say mental health issues could be a factor.
“It was like watching bowling pins fly,” said journalist Kris Pangilinan, describing the chaos as bodies were flung across the street.
“It was like a war zone.”
Footage from the scene paints a grim picture—debris, overturned food stalls, sirens wailing.
Stunned families stood amid the wreckage.
What Happened?
A crumpled black SUV with its door flung open sat eerily at the center of it all.
Vancouver Police Chief Steve Rai confirmed the driver acted alone, but details about his background remain thin.
Meanwhile, organizers Filipino BC said they were heartbroken, calling the tragedy “senseless.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney echoed the nation’s grief, mourning with Vancouver’s Filipino community.
In a world desperate for more reasons to celebrate, this brutal reminder of fragility hits painfully close to home.
