An automobile crash at the Oklahoma State University homecoming parade has left four dead.
A vehicle reportedly crashed into a police motorcycle and then veered into a crowd of spectators. Police initially reported three deaths and 22 injuries (UPDATE: A toddler later succumbed to injuries). The Stillwater News-Press reports 27 people, including children, transported for treatment, with ten in critical condition. Pictures of a Stillwater, Oklahoma, intersection on the parade route show police tape, debris, and concerned bystanders. Tulsa’s NewsOn6 reports that eight helicopters responded to the scene to help transport victims.
Police arrested a 25-year-old woman on suspicion of DUI.
Stillwater woman Adacia Chambers, 25, has been arrested, charged with DUI and is in jail. @OColly
— Kaelynn Knoernschild (@kaelynn_k) October 24, 2015
Adacia Chambers not an OSU student said Gary Shutt, OSU spokesman @OColly — Kaelynn Knoernschild (@kaelynn_k) October 24, 2015
SPD Capt. Kyle Gibbs said it’s too early to tell is accident was intentional @OColly
— Kaelynn Knoernschild (@kaelynn_k) October 24, 2015
“A car barreled through barricades and into the crowd where the parade was ending,” Von Castor of NewsOn6 observes. “It was an absolute horrible scene. I don’t know what the fatality count is, but I did see two fatalities.”
Dubbed “America’s Greatest Homecoming Celebration,” the event dates back to 1913. The school’s alumni association notes, “The event returns tens of thousands of proud alumni to Stillwater during the fall to partake in the festivities and reconnect with their alma mater.”
Oklahoma State pres. Burns Hargis said there was consideration of whether to play, but “we’re gonna play & we’re gonna remember the victims”
— George Schroeder (@GeorgeSchroeder) October 24, 2015
I was told by a KU official there was serious talk of canceling the game but both sides decided to play… #KUfball https://t.co/9IsZJbYT3B
— Matt Tait (@mctait) October 24, 2015
The 6-0 Oklahoma State Cowboys host the 0-6 Kansas Jayhawks at 3:30 p.m. Eastern. Oklahoma State’s president says the game will not be cancelled.
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