Canada news: 11 killed and 24 injured as driver rams car into Vancouver Filipino festival crowd — latest updates

As many as 11 people were killed, and around 24 others injured after a driver plowed into the crowd at the Vancouver Filipino festival in the Canadian city, police said. The attacker, identified as 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo has been arrested and was charged in court on April 27 local time.

In an earlier update on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), the Vancouver Police had termed the incident as “mass casualty”, but did not confirm the number of deceased and injured. 

“A 30-year-old suspect, a Vancouver man, was arrested at the scene. The investigation is ongoing and is being led the Vancouver Police Department’s Major Crime Section,” the police department added. Further, they also gave out a hotline for anyone with information — 604-717-2500.

Vancouver Lapu Lapu Tragedy: What We Know So Far

• According to an AP report, Lo has been charged with multiple counts of murder for allegedly killing 11 people by ramming his black Audi SUV into a crowd of people at the Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver at 8 pm on April 27.
• Lo has been charged with eight counts of second degree murder and made a video appearance before a judge on April 27, hours after his arrest, the report said citing, Damienne Darby, spokeswoman for British Columbia prosecutors.
• The victims range between ages 5 to 65, according to officials. Authorities have not yet released victims' names.
• Lo has not yet entered a plea and his attorney has not yet been listed on court documents. AP said it was not able to reach any legal representative for the accused.
• Police Interim Chief Steve Rai called it “the darkest day in Vancouver's history”. He said that they have not found a motive and ruled out terrorism as a reason. Rai added that Lo has “a significant history of interactions with police and health care professionals related to mental health.”
• Rai said the suspect was arrested after initially being apprehended by bystanders.

Eyewitness Accounts of Vancouver Incident

One witness told CTV News he saw a black vehicle driving erratically in the area just before the crowd was hit, Reuters reported. A black SUV with a crumpled front section could be seen in still photos from the scene, according to an AP report.

It said local paper The Vancouver Sun reported “thousands of people” were in the area when the attack happened.

Speaking to Postmedia, an emotional Yoseb Vardeh, co-owner of food truck Bao Buns, told the publication, “I didn’t get to see the driver, all I heard was an engine rev. I got outside my food truck, I looked down the road and there’s just bodies everywhere. He went through the whole block, he went straight down the middle. (sic)”

Festival security guard Jen Idaba-Castaneto told local news site Vancouver Is Awesome, “I saw bodies everywhere. You don't know who to help, here or there. It's so shocking. (sic)”

The attack happened during what is known as the “Lapu Lapu Day Festival”, according to multiple posts on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter). Lapu Lapu Day, is a public holiday honoring Filipino heritage. In the Philippines, the Lapu Lapu Day 2025 block party, is among the biggest festivals, and includes food and performances.

Vancouver Filipino Day Attack: Strong Reactions, Condolences Pour In

Canadian PM Mark Carney has issued a statement on X, saying: “Devastated to hear about the horrific events at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver earlier this evening. (sic)”

Vancouver's Mayor Ken Sim said, “I am shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific incident at today's Lapu Lapu Day event. (sic)”

British Colombia Premier David Eby took to X to post his condolences, saying: “Shocked & heartbroken to hear of the lives lost & those injured at the Lapu Lapu festival. Police are investigating & a suspect is in custody. We are in contact with the City of Vancouver and will provide any support needed. My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones. (sic)”

Indian-origin Canadian political leader Jagmeet Singh expressed his condolences on X. He wrote: “I am horrified to learn of an incident at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Day celebrations that injured and killed innocent people. As we wait to learn more, our thoughts are with the victims and their families – and Vancouver’s Filipino community, who were coming together today to celebrate resilience. (sic)”

One X user wrote: “Love, strength and prayers to all effected by the tragic and horrific actions tonight in Vancouver at the Lapu Lapu festival. Condolences to The lives lost. Good energy to the family and friends. Our hearts are with you. (sic)”

Another user said: “Absolutely horrific. Much strength and love to all those touched by this. Much gratitude to the first responders and others who offered help. (sic)”

One user shared: “I was there just moments before this heartbreaking incident unfolded. My heart aches for all the families affected. It’s devastating to see this happen in our community. Vancouver should be a place where everyone feels safe to celebrate their culture with pride. (sic)”

(With inputs from Agencies)