Driver ‘slammed pedal down' and hit victims like ‘bowling pins' at Vancouver festival leaving nine dead, eyewitness says

The Sun

27-04-2025

Lydia Doye
Published: Invalid Date,
AN EYEWITNESS has revealed the terrifying moment a car ploughed into a crowd at a street festival in Vancouver.
Kris Pangilinan said he saw the black Audi speeding down the street before the driver "slammed the pedal down" and hit victims like "bowling pins".
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The out-of-control vehicle ploughed into the crowd at around 8pm local time.
Thousands of revellers were in the area when the car ploughed into crowds.
At least nine people have been killed and several others wounded in the horrifying crash, cops have confirmed.
Pangilinan told CBS: "It's something you don't expect to see in your lifetime."
He said: "[The driver] just slammed the pedal down and rammed into hundreds of people.
"It was like seeing a bowling ball hit — all the bowling pins and all the pins flying up in the air."
The Toronto based journalist added: "As someone who worked in news, you get numb to seeing these things — but seeing it in real life is just shocking.
"It was like a war zone.... There were bodies all over the ground."
Another eyewitness James Cruzat recalled a car revving its engine before hearing "a loud noise, like a loud bang."
Cruzat said: "We saw people on the road crying, others were like running, shouting, or even screaming, asking for help."
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A black Audi with a mangled bonnet was seen in the street outside a food truck after the crash.
While horrifying footage showed victims and debris strewn across the road - with at least seven people lying on the ground.
Other clips appeared to show fellow festival-goers trying to help those on the floor.
Emergency services were also seen working at the scene following the harrowing incident.
A 30-year-old "lone suspect" - who was known to cops - was arrested shortly after the shocking event.
The suspect reportedly looked the the crowd and uttered "I'm sorry," according to the Mail.
Vancouver Police said: "A number of people have been killed and multiple others are injured after a driver drove into a crowd at a street festival at E. 41st Avenue and Fraser shortly after 8 p.m. tonight.
"The driver is in custody.
"We will provide more information as the investigation unfolds."
The force insisted that the incident was not being treated as a terrorist attack.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police have asked anyone with information to contact them.
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The crash came as members of the Filipino community had gathered to celebrate Lapu Lapu Day, Vancouver mayor Ken Sim said.
The festival commemorates a Filipino anti-colonial leader from the 16th century.
Saturday's event featured a parade, a film screening, dancing and a concert - with two members of the Black Eyed Peas featured on the lineup.
Sim said: "Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver's Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time."
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said: "I am devastated to hear about the horrific events at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver earlier this evening."
Canada 's New Democracy Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh - who was at the event before the horror incident unfolded - has said he is "horrified to learn" of "innocent people" being killed and hurt.
He added: "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."
The NDP had made a campaign stop at the Lapu Lapu Day block party.
Canada's Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre described being shocked by the "horrific news".
He said: "My thoughts are with the Filipino community and all the victims targeted by this senseless attack."
The British Royal family also shared a touching message from the King in a post on X.
King Charles said: "Both my wife and I were profoundly saddened to learn of the dreadful attack and utterly tragic loss of life in Vancouver, which took place as the Filipino community came together to mark the celebration of one of their most special festivals.
"Our hearts and prayers go out to all those whose lives have been shattered by such a desperate tragedy and we send our deepest possible sympathy at a most agonising time for so many in Canada."
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