HSABC Statement on the Anniversary of the April 26th Tragedy
On April 26, 2025, a vehicle tore through East 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street in Vancouver, killing 11 people and leaving 32 others injured. It was a senseless act of violence against a community gathered in celebration of Lapu-Lapu Day — honouring one of the Philippines’ first anti-colonial heroes — leaving wounds that have not yet healed.
Today, on behalf of members of the Health Sciences Association of BC, we pause to remember the 11 lives lost. We hold their families and loved ones in our hearts. We are with the many survivors who carry the physical and emotional weight of that day with them. We also honour our front line health care workers, who, amid the chaos of that evening, triaged, treated, and fought for the lives of those impacted by this tragedy.
The Filipino community in BC is an essential part of our health care system and a vibrant part of the mosaic that makes up our country. At HSA, Filipino health care workers are a cherished part of our union’s membership. The attack on Lapu-Lapu Day was an attack on all of us — on the values of belonging, joy, and cultural pride that events like this festival are meant to celebrate.
To our Filipino siblings, we grieve with you. We are proud to be in solidarity with you.
And to every health science professional who responded that day and have continued to respond in the months that followed — who sat with families during the worst moments of their lives, who dispensed life-saving medication, and who carry the weight of that tragedy home with you — we are with you. Trauma does not clock out when a shift ends. If you are carrying what you witnessed on April 26, 2025, know that you are not alone and you deserve care as much as anyone you have cared for.
Support for members
This tragedy has hit members of our HSA family across the province. For our members who have been impacted, your wellbeing is important.
If you experience(d) a physical and/or psychological injury arising out of the April 26 tragedy, please seek medical attention and access your extended health benefits as necessary. Your employer will have information about additional supports and services that are available to you, such as employee assistance plans or community resources. In addition, Worksafe BC has a support line for injured workers who are experiencing emotional crisis. The support line is available to all injured workers, whether or not they have a claim with Worksafe BC, and can be reached at 1-800-624-2928 at any time.