A female driver crashed into a youth soccer game at the Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita, Kansas on Saturday, causing 2 deaths and 10 injuries. She was released on Sunday without facing any charges.
According to the New York Post, the incident took place on Saturday afternoon during a youth soccer game at the sports complex. A Chevrolet pickup truck suddenly plowed into the field, resulting in 2 fatalities and 10 injuries.
The Wichita Police Department stated that prior to the incident, the pickup truck was parked in a nearby parking space and then accelerated around 3:25 PM local time, driving into one of the fields.
The victims were identified as 6-year-old Adrian Cole from McPherson, Kansas, and 35-year-old Nicholas Schafer. There is no known relation between the two deceased individuals.
The 10 injured individuals ranged in age from 5 to 68, including 5 children. Their injuries ranged from bruises to serious wounds but are not life-threatening. Additionally, a 61-year-old woman was hospitalized for unrelated medical complications from the collision.
The driver of the pickup truck is a 34-year-old woman whose identity has not been disclosed. At the time of the incident, besides the mother, two children were also in the vehicle.
Another child of the woman was participating in an activity at another field within the complex at the time. She has been cooperative with the authorities during the investigation.
After questioning witnesses and consulting with the district attorney’s office, the woman was released by the police pending toxicology test results and a mechanical inspection of the vehicle.
Aaron Moses, a spokesperson for the local police department, revealed that over 30 witnesses were questioned at the scene, with others interviewed over the phone. He urged the public to provide any video footage of the incident if available.
The police stated, “No charges have been filed against her yet as the investigation continues to determine the exact circumstances that led to this tragic accident.”
The sports complex is fenced, with a concrete driveway leading to the parking lot. It is still unclear at what speed the vehicle entered the field and why the female driver suddenly accelerated into it.
During a press conference on Saturday, a reporter relayed that as parents pulled her out of the car, the female driver exclaimed, “Oh my god, what have I done?!”
Vanessa Trammell told CNN that children were playing on the field and families were gathered nearby when they heard a screeching tire sound. She witnessed the pickup truck crashing into the crowd, causing panic.
The sports center has announced the cancellation of all activities with a notice for resumption at a later time. The Kansas State High School Activities Association has also suspended the flag football state championship scheduled at an adjacent venue.
Chief of Police Joe Sullivan of Wichita mentioned that before emergency personnel arrived, bystanders provided crucial aid to the injured individuals.
He expressed, “What should have been a day for kids playing soccer and families spending time together ended in tragedy.”
Mayor Lily Wu of Wichita expressed her heartbreak over the incident and advised the public to avoid the area.