World
Suspect who drove into crowd at Lapu Lapu Festival identified as 30-year-old Vancouver man
The Vancouver Police Department is actively investigating a mass casualty incident that occurred during a neighborhood street festival in South Vancouver on Saturday night, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries.
At approximately 8:14 p.m. on April 26, 2025, a man driving a black Audi SUV drove into a large crowd attending the Lapu Lapu Day Festival near East 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street.
The vehicle struck numerous attendees before coming to a stop.
A 30-year-old Vancouver man was arrested at the scene without further incident.
He remains in custody as the investigation continues.
Preliminary reports indicate that at least eight individuals, including a child, have died as a result of the crash.
At least six others sustained serious injuries and were transported to area hospitals for treatment.
Suspect who drove into crowd at Lapu Lapu Festival identified as 30-year-old Vancouver man. A man driving a black Audi SUV drove into a large crowd attending the Lapu Lapu Day Festival near East 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street. #Canada Driver arrested.https://t.co/CZKAfOYeC2 pic.twitter.com/FreItY5q4V— News Channel3 Now (@newschannel3now) April 27, 2025
Vancouver Police have stated that an official update on casualty numbers will be provided during a media briefing scheduled for midnight local time.
Eyewitnesses described the horrifying scene, recounting how the SUV barreled through vendor stalls and crowds of festival-goers.
One witness told they heard screams and cries as people desperately tried to flee from the speeding vehicle.
Another festival attendee described the scene as “terrifying” and “chaotic.”
In a statement released Saturday evening, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy:
“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific incident that occurred tonight at the Lapu Lapu Day event. Vancouver Police have confirmed multiple fatalities and injuries. Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with all those affected and with Vancouverโs Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time.”
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the suspect.
However, sources have indicated that the individual has a history of mental health challenges and may have had prior interactions with law enforcement as recently as the day before the incident.
The Vancouver Police Departmentโs Major Crime Section is leading the investigation, and officials are working to determine the motive behind the attack.
Deana Lancaster, a spokesperson for Vancouver General Hospital โ the regionโs leading trauma center โ confirmed that multiple victims from the Lapu Lapu Day Festival were being treated at the facility.
The Vancouver Police Department is urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has video footage to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.
Further updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.
SAGAMU, Ogun State, Nigeria โ The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed that Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, the driver of the Lexus SUV involved in the fatal motor vehicle collision that injured British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua and killed two passengers, has been formally charged in court.
Police officials stated that Kayode, 46, was arraigned on Thursday, January 2, 2026, before the Sagamu Magistrate Court, where he faces charges of reckless and dangerous driving.
The case has been adjourned until January 20, 2026, for further proceedings.
According to police, the crash occurred earlier in the week along the LagosโIbadan Expressway, a major highway in southwestern Nigeria.
The Lexus SUV was transporting Anthony Joshua and two of his close associates, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, when it collided with a stationary truck parked along the roadway.
Both Ayodele and Ghami sustained fatal injuries in the crash.
Police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi confirmed that the defendant was granted bail in the sum of โฆ5 million (approximately $3,480 USD), with two sureties, and was remanded in custody pending the fulfillment of the bail conditions.
The Ogun State Police Command reiterated in a public update that the arraignment followed a comprehensive preliminary investigation into the circumstances of the collision.
Authorities emphasized that investigations remain ongoing.
Anthony Joshua, a former world heavyweight boxing champion, survived the crash but reportedly suffered significant emotional trauma as a result of the incident.
Ayodele and Ghami were described as long-time friends, training partners, and key members of Joshuaโs professional support team, regularly accompanying him before, during, and after major fights.
Ayodele was notably present ringside during Joshuaโs recent bout, where he was seen holding the Nigerian flag.
The remains of the two deceased men were transported to a mortuary in Sagamu.
Both were reported to be Muslims, and arrangements for burial in accordance with Islamic rites are pending. Officials have not yet confirmed when their bodies will be repatriated to the United Kingdom.
Authorities have also renewed calls for improved road safety enforcement, particularly concerning the illegal and prolonged parking of heavy-duty trucks along highways, which has been cited as a recurring hazard on Nigerian roads.
The Ogun State Police Command urged motorists to exercise caution, adhere strictly to speed limits, and ensure proper judgment when overtaking or maneuvering on highways.
Further updates are expected as the case proceeds through the court system.