Tributes were left at the scene of the crash, which happened in the Sunset neighbourhood of South Vancouver. (Reuters)
At least 11 people lost their lives and more than two dozen were injured when a vehicle plowed through a Filipino street festival in Vancouver on Saturday night. Witnesses described scenes of terror and chaos as a black SUV tore through the crowd, throwing people into the air and scattering debris across the street.
Vancouver Filipino Festival— A Community Celebration Turns TragicThe Lapu Lapu Day Festival, meant to celebrate Filipino heritage and cultural pride, ended in devastation. Families were separated. Survivors described the street as resembling a war zone, with bodies lying motionless across the area.
Evidence markers and Vancouver Police vehicles sit at a scene on Sunday after a driver killed multiple people the day before during a Filipino community festival in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Suspect in Custody
Police identified the suspect as Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, a Vancouver resident. He was arrested at the scene after some attendees helped detain him. Lo, who has a known history of mental health interactions with authorities, now faces eight counts of second-degree murder. Further charges are expected as the investigation continues.
A screen grab from a video taken by onlookers after the Saturday festival shows a man who appears to be detained by security while onlookers shout accusations. On Sunday afternoon, Vancouver police confirmed a 30-year-old Vancouver man, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, had been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder. (KCCOVancity/X)
Victims Range from Children to Seniors
Interim Police Chief Steve Rai confirmed the ages of the victims range from 5 to 65 years old. Several injured remain in critical condition, and some have yet to be identified. “This is the darkest day in our city's history,” Rai said during a Sunday press conference.
City and Country Mourn
To honour the victims, the Canadian flag will fly at half-mast across all city buildings. Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim emphasized that mental health concerns, rather than terrorism, appear to be the underlying cause. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed deep heartbreak, stressing there was no active threat to the public.
Esperanza Bermudez, facing, who lives across the street from the scene, is comforted by friend Manjit Claire the morning after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival in Vancouver, British Columbia. AP Photo
Eyewitnesses Recall Horror
Festival attendees painted a grim picture of the aftermath. “It was like a bowling ball crashing into pins,” one witness said. Video footage showed debris scattered along a tree-lined street and a black SUV with a crumpled front parked mid-road. Emergency responders worked swiftly, as sirens blared in the background and police urged people to stay clear of the scene.
A City United in Grief
Filipino BC, the community group that organized the festival, shared their heartbreak on Instagram. “We are devastated for the families and victims,” they wrote. British Columbia Premier David Eby echoed the sentiment, calling the tragedy “sickening” and acknowledging the Filipino community's deep roots across the province.
A young child and his mother leave a teddy bear and flowers near the crash location
Leaders Respond
NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, who had attended the festival shortly before the attack, spoke emotionally about the smiling children he saw. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also offered condolences, promising support for the victims and coordination with Canadian authorities.
Vancouver Filipino Festival Event Security Under Scrutiny
The attack has raised serious questions about public event safety in Vancouver. Interim Chief Rai said a risk assessment had been conducted before the festival, and no threats were identified. Heavy vehicle barricades and police presence had not been deemed necessary. However, Mayor Sim has ordered a full review of safety measures for future events.
A Tragic Reminder
Saturday’s horrific event recalled the deadly 2018 Toronto van attack. As Vancouver mourns, officials stress the city remains safe. Still, the tragedy highlights urgent conversations around mental health, public safety, and community resilience.
