A truck ploughed through a football pitch during a youth match in Kansas on Saturday afternoon, killing two people and leaving 11 others requiring hospital treatment, according to authorities.
A six-year-old boy and a 35-year-old man died in the incident, Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses confirmed. Both victims were from the city of McPherson, though they were not known to one another.
Injuries range from minor to severe
Those injured ranged in age from 5 to 68, with five of the wounded being children. Capt 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 taken into custody following the incident at the Stryker Sports Complex, Capt Moses confirmed.
Investigation ongoing
He stopped short of stating whether the incident was believed to be deliberate. He said: "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 children were also present in the lorry at the time, Capt Moses added.
Community response
Police Chief Joe Sullivan paid tribute to bystanders who swiftly assisted those caught up in the incident. Before emergency services reached the scene, members of the public "sprang into action" to provide lifesaving help to the victims, he said.
He explained: "It was truly amazing. But I think it's indicative of the Wichita community."
Mayor Lily Wu urged residents to stay clear of the area while the investigation continued, describing the news as heartbreaking. Writing on Facebook, she described the incident as having left her "heartbroken", adding: "My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected, especially the children and families involved."
Authorities confirmed there was no ongoing threat to the wider public.
