Man drives into Vancouver festival killing 11 people

Rob Stancon on Apr 28, 2025

By clicking submit, I authorize Arcamax and its affiliates to: (1) use, sell, and share my information for marketing purposes, including cross-context behavioral advertising, as described in our Privacy Policy , (2) add to information that I provide with other information like interests inferred from web page views, or data lawfully obtained from data brokers, such as past purchase or location data, or publicly available data, (3) contact me or enable others to contact me by email or other means with offers for different types of goods and services, and (4) retain my information while I am engaging with marketing messages that I receive and for a reasonable amount of time thereafter. I understand I can opt out at any time through an email that I receive, or by clicking here

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — A devastating crash marred the Lapu-Lapu Day festival in Vancouver's Sunset neighborhood Saturday night, killing 11 people and injuring more than 20 others when an SUV drove into a crowd of festivalgoers.

Authorities identified the driver as 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo, a Vancouver resident. Witnesses said Lo attempted to flee the scene but was quickly subdued by members of the crowd. He was taken into custody and faces eight counts of second-degree murder, with additional charges expected. Investigators said there is no indication of terrorism or political motivation, citing Lo’s long-standing mental health struggles as a primary factor. His family reportedly sought emergency psychiatric assistance for him just hours before the incident.

The Lapu-Lapu Day festival, which honors Filipino heritage and the heroism of Datu Lapu-Lapu, had drawn hundreds of families to Sunset Park. As the day’s final performances ended, witnesses said the black Audi Q7 driven by Lo sped through an intersection and into the heart of the gathering. Victims ranged in age from 5 to 65 years old, and the scene was described by responders as one of chaos and heartbreak.

Prime Minister Mark Carney paused his re-election campaign to visit the site Sunday, offering condolences to the grieving community and promising federal assistance. British Columbia Premier David Eby and Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim expressed sorrow and support, vowing a thorough review of event security protocols. King Charles III also issued a statement, saying he and Queen Camilla were "profoundly saddened" by the tragedy and stood in solidarity with the Filipino Canadian community.

The Vancouver Police Department deployed more than 100 officers to the investigation, and authorities opened a 24-hour emergency support center for victims and their families. Officials confirmed the festival had not been equipped with concrete barriers or a dedicated police presence, prompting new discussions about safety standards for large public gatherings.

The crash is being called the deadliest vehicle-ramming incident in Vancouver’s history. As tributes and memorials grew around Sunset Park, community leaders emphasized resilience and unity in the face of overwhelming grief.