Festival Turns to Horror: 11 Killed in Vancouver SUV Attack

A Vancouver man faces eight counts of second-degree murder after a devastating incident at a Filipino community festival Saturday night, where an SUV plowed into a crowd, leaving 11 people dead and dozens more injured.

Authorities confirmed there had been no prior warnings or threats directed at the Lapu-Lapu Day celebrations — an event named after a 16th-century Indigenous hero from the Philippines who resisted Spanish colonization and became a symbol of national pride.

The tragedy unfolded just before 8 p.m. PT at the intersection of East 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street, an area typically bustling with families and local businesses. Witnesses described scenes of chaos and heartbreak, as festival-goers screamed and scattered in panic. Police stressed that the incident is not being investigated as an act of terrorism.

The victims, whose ages range from five to 65, represented a broad cross-section of the local Filipino-Canadian community. According to the B.C. Ministry of Health, 32 individuals — including the deceased — were treated at multiple hospitals across the Lower Mainland. Seventeen patients remain hospitalized, some in critical or serious condition, while others are being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

On Sunday afternoon, authorities announced that 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo had been formally charged with eight counts of second-degree murder. In Canadian law, second-degree murder typically refers to an intentional act that results in death but was not planned in advance.

Lo made a brief court appearance, dressed in grey sweats, and chose not to seek bail. He will remain in custody until his next hearing, scheduled for May 26 at Vancouver provincial court. A publication ban is currently in place, limiting the reporting of specific details from the hearing.

In a statement, the Vancouver Police Department emphasized that the charge assessment process is ongoing, and further charges are expected as the investigation develops. Police continue to gather witness testimonies, review surveillance footage, and reconstruct the moments leading up to the crash.

At a somber news conference Sunday morning, Interim Police Chief Steve Rai addressed the city. "This is one of the darkest days Vancouver has ever faced," he said, visibly emotional. "Our hearts are shattered alongside the community’s." Rai also acknowledged the pressing questions from the public about whether more could have been done to prevent such a catastrophe.

Later, standing beside Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, Rai defended the event's security protocols. Based on prior assessments and the event’s peaceful history, police determined that deploying heavy policing measures or barriers was unnecessary.

"Last year, the festival had zero incidents involving police," Rai explained. "It was a family-oriented, cultural event celebrating heritage and history. We balanced safety with the need to preserve the welcoming, inclusive spirit of the festival. We do not want to cage every event in Vancouver behind barriers and tactical units."

Mayor Sim offered condolences to the victims' families and pledged the city's full support to the affected community. "We stand in solidarity with the Filipino community today and every day," Sim said. "We will mourn with you, support you, and work toward healing together."

At the crash site in Vancouver's Sunset neighborhood, the pavement was soon lined with an ever-growing memorial. Flowers, candles, handwritten notes, and children’s drawings filled the sidewalk. Community members, many dressed in traditional Filipino attire, gathered quietly to pray, cry, and remember those lost.

"We just want them to know they are not alone," said Maria Santos, who lost a friend in the crash. "Our whole community is grieving. This isn’t just a Filipino tragedy — it’s a Vancouver tragedy."

Local organizations have begun mobilizing mental health resources and support services for survivors, witnesses, and families affected by the incident. Grief counselors were made available at community centers across the city, and a candlelight vigil is being planned for later in the week to honor the victims.

As Vancouver struggles to come to terms with the enormity of the loss, there is a growing call for a comprehensive review of public event safety policies. Discussions have already begun at the municipal level on how to better protect gatherings without sacrificing their open, communal nature.

The investigation remains active, and police continue to appeal for any witnesses or video footage from the scene to assist in piecing together exactly how the events of that night unfolded.

For now, the Sunset neighborhood stands united in mourning — a community leaning on each other for strength in the face of unfathomable tragedy.