On April 26, 2025, a devastating vehicle-ramming attack occurred during the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, resulting in 11 fatalities and over two dozen injuries. The incident took place around 8:14 p.m. PDT on Fraser Street, where a black Audi Q7 SUV driven by 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo plowed through a crowd attending the Filipino heritage celebration.
The victims, aged between 5 and 65, included beloved teacher and school counselor Kira Salim from the New Westminster School District. Witnesses described the aftermath as chaotic, with bodies scattered and festival-goers attempting to assist the injured. The suspect, Lo, who has a documented history of mental health issues, was apprehended at the scene and has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder, with additional charges anticipated as the investigation continues.
Authorities have ruled out terrorism as a motive, though the exact reason behind the attack remains under investigation. The tragedy has prompted national mourning, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney attending a vigil and expressing condolences to the victims’ families. The Filipino community in Vancouver is rallying support, organizing fundraisers and providing resources to those affected.
This incident stands as one of the deadliest vehicle-ramming attacks in Canadian history, drawing comparisons to the 2018 Toronto van attack. As the city grapples with this tragedy, discussions on public event safety and mental health support have been reignited.
