Suspect charged with murder over Vancouver Filipino festival car ramming, police say victims were aged five to 65

​Tragedy at Vancouver's Lapu-Lapu Day Festival: 11 Dead, Dozens Injured in Vehicle Attack​

A tragic incident occurred at Vancouver's Lapu-Lapu Day Festival, a celebration of Filipino heritage, on April 26, 2025, in the evening. A black Audi Q7 SUV drove into a crowd near East 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street, resulting in the deaths of 11 individuals and injuring over 20 others. The victims' ages ranged from five to sixty-five. Reuters

Bystanders apprehended the suspect, who was later identified as 30-year-old Vancouver resident Kai-Ji Adam Lo, prior to his arrest by police. Eight counts of second-degree murder have been filed against him, and additional charges are anticipated as the investigation continues. Times of Clearwater +10

The Incident

At approximately 8:14 p.m. PDT, as the festival was concluding, the SUV entered a pedestrian area and accelerated through the crowd. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with bodies being thrown into the air and people screaming in terror. ​

Emergency services responded swiftly, transporting victims to Vancouver General Hospital and other nearby medical facilities. A code orange, indicating a mass casualty event, was declared. As of the following day, 32 individuals had been hospitalized, with 17 remaining under medical care. ​

Victims

Clara "Kira" Ganapol Salim, a Brazilian musician who was 34 years old and was a co-founder of the Carnival band Marcha Nerd, was among the dead. The identities of other victims have not been publicly released pending notification of next of kin. The diverse backgrounds of the victims reflect the multicultural fabric of Vancouver's community. ​

Suspect's Background

Kai-Ji Adam Lo has a documented history of mental health issues and previous interactions with law enforcement. In 2024, his family experienced significant tragedies, including the death of his older brother and a suicide attempt by his mother. A family member called a psychiatric ward hours before the attack to express concern about Lo's deteriorating mental state, citing delusions and paranoia. It remains unclear what actions, if any, were taken in response. ​

Legal Proceedings

On April 27, 2025, Lo appeared in court without asking for bail. He remains in custody, with his next court appearance scheduled for May 26. Authorities have indicated that further charges are likely as the investigation continues. ​

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Community and Government Response

The tragedy has elicited an outpouring of grief and support from local and national leaders. Prime Minister Mark Carney visited the site, expressing condolences and affirming the federal government's commitment to supporting the victims and their families. ​

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim and British Columbia Premier David Eby also expressed their sympathy, declaring, "This is the darkest day in our city's history." Reuters

es like King Charles III and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed their condolences and highlighted the tragedy's global impact.

Festival Significance

The Lapu-Lapu Day Festival is an annual event celebrating Filipino culture and heritage, named after the indigenous leader who resisted Spanish colonization. The festival symbolizes resilience and community pride, making the attack during such a celebration particularly poignant. ​

AP Reports Continuing Forward The incident has sparked discussions about the significance of proactive mental health treatment and public safety at community events. Authorities are reviewing safety protocols to prevent similar tragedies in the future. ​

The Observer Support services have been made available for those affected, including counseling and assistance through the Vancouver Police Department's Victim Services Unit and VictimLinkBC. ​

Awesome is Vancouver. Conclusion

The Vancouver community, along with the broader Canadian and international public, mourns the loss of life resulting from this senseless act. There is a collective resolve to honor the victims and ensure that such a tragedy never occurs again as investigations continue and healing begins. For those seeking support, please contact the Vancouver Police Department's Victim Services Unit at 604-717-2737 or VictimLinkBC at 1-800-563-0808.