Update: 7:30 a.m.
Nine people are dead, including one child and multiple other people are injured after a man drove a vehicle drove through a crowd at a Vancouver Filipino festival.
Vancouver police confirmed on Sunday morning the number of people killed was nine.
"Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic incident,” says a spokesperson.
Police are expected to provide more details at 9 a.m. on Sunday.
An emergency response document has been created online where people can support the community by offering child care, cooking, or volunteering.
Update: 2 a.m.
Police officers in Vancouver have set up at a community centre for people who have not been able to find their family members.
A 24-hour assistance centre has been established at the Douglas Park Community Centre, 801 West 22nd Ave.
Vancouver police officers and victim services professionals have been deployed to help anyone who has not been able to contact a loved who was at the Lapu Lapu festival.
For people who cannot attend in person, you can call 604-717-3321
Update: 12:15 a.m.
Police are unable to confirm how many people have died after a driver drove through a crowd of people attending the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver.
"There are still family members that have to be contacted,” said Vancouver Police interim Chief Steve Rai.
Glacier Media has confirmed with sources that at least eight people are dead, including one child.
The motive and why the suspect drove into the crowd is not clear.
“I would be speculating if I stated a factor in it,” said Rai. “We will have more details in the morning."
The 30-year-old suspect was known to police.
VPD says it’s confident this incident was not an act of terrorism.
Police confirmed a man was taken into custody by witnesses who were in the crowd.
A video shared on social media shows a man trying to cover his face while people shout at him. In the video, he can be heard saying "I’m sorry."
In a post on Facebook, Filipino BC said its community is still trying to find the words "to express the deep heartbreak brought on by this senseless tragedy."
"We are devastated for the families and victims," said the statement.
"We encourage everyone to check in, support and hold each other. Do not hesitate to access resources available. You are not alone."
Resources available include:
- VPD Victim Services Unit: 604-717-2737
- VictimLinkBC: call or text 1-800-563-0808, or email [email protected]
- 310 mental health line: 310-6789
- Crisis line: 1-800-784-2433
Anyone who has information is asked to contact police at 604-717-2500.
Original: 9:42 p.m.
A number of people have been killed and multiple other people have been injured after a driver drove through a festival crowd on Saturday in Vancouver.
The Vancouver Police Department said the fatal incident occurred at East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street shortly after 8 p.m. Saturday.
Jen Idaba-Castaneto was working as a security guard at the festival when she heard and saw the vehicle plow through the crowd.
"It was like boom, boom, boom... People started screaming," she told Glacier Media.
She immediately ran to help.
"Bodies everywhere," she recalled. "You don't know who to help, here or there. It's so shocking."
"We’re all OK physically, but honestly, I’m still very shaken up,” said Idaba-Castaneto. "I’m in shock and have been experiencing panic attacks after witnessing everything that happened.”
Social media posts show a heavy police presence on Fraser Street and East 43rd Street. Video shows multiple first responders surrounding an area and treating people.
VPD said a 30-year-old Vancouver man was arrested at the scene and is in custody.
“We will provide more information as the investigation unfolds,” said a spokesperson.
Glacier Media has reached out to the Vancouver Police Department and BC Emergency Health Services and is awaiting a response.
In a post on X, BC EHS said many staff reached out and offered to come in to help with the call volumes.
"If you aren't sure if you need paramedics tonight, please call 811. We appreciate your patience as we respond to those who need help the most first," read the post.
Saturday marked the Lapu Lapu Day 2025 block party, featuring food and performers, for the Filipino community. The day is one of the biggest celebrations in the Philippines. Lapu Lapu Day is named after an Indigenous resistance fighter in the Philippines who fought against Spanish colonization in the 16th century.
"I never imagined I would see [this happen], especially during what was supposed to be a joyful event for our community," said Idaba-Castaneto.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim said in a statement that he was "shocked and deeply saddened" by what he called a "horrific incident" at the festival.
"Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver’s Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time," he said.
B.C. Premier David Eby said in a post to social media platform X that he's "shocked and heartbroken" to hear about the lives lost and those injured at the festival.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh also posted on X, saying he was horrified to learn about what happened at the festival and is offering thoughts to "the victims, their families and Vancouver's Filipino community."
With a file from Canadian Press
