At least two people killed, including child, after pickup truck plows through youth soccer game in Kansas
At least two people including a child have been killed and several others injured after a vehicle plowed through a soccer game at a sports complex in Wichita, Kansas, triggering a massive emergency response and leaving the driver in police custody.
The horrifying incident unfolded at around 3:25pm on Saturday afternoon at Stryker Sports Complex, where a vehicle tore across youth soccer fields, striking several people.
Police confirmed two fatalities at the scene, with several other casualties rushed to nearby hospitals as emergency crews desperately worked to save lives.
The driver, whose identity has not been released, remained at the scene and was subsequently taken into custody.
Authorities have not revealed whether the deadly incident was deliberate or accidental.
Speaking at the scene shortly after the tragedy, a Wichita Police spokesperson confirmed the two deaths.
‘At about 3:25pm Sedgwick County emergency communications began receiving multiple emergency calls reporting that a vehicle had driven through a soccer game at Stryker soccer complex,’ the spokesperson said.
‘Our officers along with law-enforcement from the area, Wichita Fire Department and Sedgwick County EMS responded to the scene.
Police in Wichita, Kansas, have declared a ‘mass casualty’ incident after a pickup truck plowed through youth soccer fields at a sports complex. Two people have been confirmed dead
Emergency services were quickly on the scene but many were left standing around in shock
The incident happened at the Stryker Sports Complex that has 11 outdoor all-sports turf fields
‘We have two fatalities confirmed here at the scene and multiple other casualties with individuals transported to area hospitals.’
The spokesperson confirmed that the driver had been detained and insisted there was no further danger to the public.
‘The vehicle involved in this incident remained at the scene. The driver of that vehicle is currently in our custody.
‘There is no additional ongoing threat to the public from that driver.’
A witness told local television station 12 News that a ‘black pickup truck came plowing through the youth soccer fields hitting multiple people before stopping 100-200 yards down the fields.’
Police confirmed the deaths of two people after the truck drove onto the soccer field
Emergency services were quickly on the scene helping where they could
The witness described harrowing scenes as emergency responders rushed to help those struck by the vehicle.
‘Dozens of emergency responders on scene giving CPR and rendering aid to victims,’ the witness said.
The account suggested the truck had traveled a considerable distance across the sports fields before finally coming to a stop.
The tragedy unfolded at a venue popular with young soccer players and their families, turning what should have been an ordinary Saturday afternoon of sport into an emergency.
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