A joyous celebration turned into a scene of devastation on Saturday night, April 26, 2025, when an SUV plowed into a crowd attending the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party in the Sunset on Fraser neighborhood. The incident, which occurred near East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street, left several people dead and many others injured, casting a dark shadow over the annual Filipino cultural event.
Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene, providing aid to the injured and securing the area. Vancouver police confirmed that the driver of the SUV was taken into custody, and an investigation is currently underway to determine the circumstances and motive behind the tragic event. Authorities have not yet disclosed the exact number of casualties, leaving the community anxiously awaiting updates.
The Lapu Lapu Day Block Party is a cherished annual event that celebrates Filipino heritage through food, music, and cultural performances. Named in honor of Datu Lapu-Lapu, the Philippines’ first national hero who famously led the victory against Spanish colonizers in the 1521 Battle of Mactan, the festival draws large crowds to Vancouver’s culturally diverse Sunset neighborhood.
Videos circulating on social media captured the chaotic aftermath, showing emergency crews rushing to assist victims and people lying on the ground. The incident has left the Filipino community and Vancouver residents in shock, as they grapple with the senseless violence that marred what is typically a vibrant and joyful celebration.
Local leaders and officials have expressed their condolences and support for the victims and their families. New Democratic MP Don Davies referred to the event as a “horrendous attack” in a social media post, offering prayers for those affected.
As the investigation unfolds, the community remains on edge, seeking answers and solace in the wake of this heartbreaking tragedy. The Lapu Lapu Day Block Party, a symbol of cultural pride and unity, now serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the resilience of a community in the face of adversity.
