Truck Plows Into Kansas Youth Soccer Game, Killing 2; Driver Released
A 6-year-old boy and a 35-year-old man were killed and 11 other people were taken to hospitals Saturday after a pickup truck drove onto a field during a youth soccer game in Wichita, Kansas. The driver has since been released without charges while police wait on test results.
Police began receiving 911 calls around 3:25 p.m. from the Stryker Sports Complex, where families had gathered to watch their children play. The driver, a 34-year-old woman from Garden City, Kansas, stayed at the scene and was taken in for questioning, ABC News reported.
Victims Include Young Children
Both people who died were pronounced dead at the scene. They were from McPherson, Kansas, and were not related, according to police. The man was identified as Nicholas Schafer, TMZ reported.
Ten people were hospitalized with injuries. Five of them are children between the ages of 5 and 9, including two 5-year-olds, two 8-year-olds and a 9-year-old, and the injured adults range in age from 28 to 68. A 61-year-old woman was also taken to a hospital for medical complications not related to traumatic injuries, bringing the total to 11, KCUR reported.
Police said injuries ranged from bruises to "extremely severe injuries," though officials believe none are life-threatening.
Driver Released Pending Tests
A preliminary investigation shows the driver had parked in a space near the soccer fields before driving onto one of them and striking multiple people, police said. Two of her children were inside the truck, and a third was playing soccer on a different field at the complex.
After interviewing the woman and consulting with the Sedgwick County District Attorney's Office, police said she was "subsequently released pending the results of toxicology testing and a mechanical examination of the vehicle." No charges have been filed.
Investigators have not said whether they believe the crash was intentional or accidental.
"We are still working to determine how this happened and why this happened," Wichita Police Capt. Aaron Moses said, according to the Associated Press.
Police Chief Joe Sullivan said the woman had been "cooperative to this point in the investigation."
"We know what happened, but now we're working very hard to find out why it happened, and we're not there yet," Sullivan said.
Police have interviewed more than 30 witnesses and are asking anyone with photos or video of the incident to share them with investigators. Authorities said there is no further threat to the public.
Bystanders Rushed to Help
Before first responders arrived, people at the complex rushed onto the field to help the injured. Sullivan praised the bystanders who "sprang into action so quickly" to give lifesaving aid, calling their response "truly amazing" and a reflection of the Wichita community.
"Wichita Grieves Together"
Wichita Mayor Lily Wu called the tragedy "heartbreaking," noting that families had come out simply to watch their kids play soccer.
"Tonight, Wichita grieves together," Wu said. In a Facebook post, she said her thoughts and prayers were with everyone affected, especially the children and their families. She also urged people to avoid the area while the investigation continues.
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly offered her condolences, and Kansas Youth Soccer called the crash "devastating." The Stryker Soccer Complex said it was praying for everyone affected.
In McPherson, community members gathered Saturday night to remember the 6-year-old boy. The city of Wichita has canceled all events at the sports complex until further notice.
Mental health agencies are encouraging anyone struggling after the crash, including families and first responders, to seek help. Services are available through Sedgwick County COMCARE, and anyone needing emotional support can call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
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