A six-year-old boy and a 35-year-old man have died after a truck tore through a youth football match in Kansas, leaving 11 others in hospital in a horrifying scene witnessed by children and families.
The vehicle crashed onto the pitch at the Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita on Saturday afternoon, with youngsters among those injured. Police said five children were hurt, while the ages of all those wounded ranged from five to 68, according to The Express.
Police describe injuries
Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses said: "Those injuries span from minor injuries, like bruises, to extremely severe injuries. But at this point, we believe those to be non-life-threatening."
A 34-year-old woman was arrested following the incident and remains in custody as detectives investigate what happened. Authorities have not yet said whether they believe the crash was intentional.
Investigation under way
Capt Moses added: "She has been cooperative up to this point in the investigation. We are still working to determine how this happened and why this happened."
Two youngsters were also inside the vehicle, Capt Moses disclosed.
Community response
Police Chief Joe Sullivan commended onlookers for swiftly assisting victims after the incident. Prior to emergency services reaching the scene, people "sprang into action" to deliver lifesaving aid to those hurt, he noted.
He added: "It was truly amazing. But I think it's indicative of the Wichita community."
Mayor Lily Wu urged residents to steer clear of the vicinity during the investigation and described the news as heartbreaking. Taking to Facebook, she expressed being "heartbroken" by the incident, stating: "My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected, especially the children and families involved."
Officials confirmed there was no ongoing danger to the public.
