Ten people rushed to hospital after police officer crashes into crowd at holiday parade
A police officer on a motorcycle crashed into a crowd at a popular holiday parade in California, leaving ten people injured.
All of the injured at the Palm Springs Festival of Lights were taken to hospital for treatment after suffering injuries that were not life-threatening, including the officer.
Eyewitnesses told local media that the officer was popping a wheelie and suddenly lost control of the motorcycle.
The bike slid into the crowd of spectators and brought the festive event to a standstill for more than an hour.
Veronica Ortiz of Pittsburg, California told The Desert Sun: “We did see him pop a wheelie and all of a sudden he went sideways and skid all the way over there and lost control and let go of the bike and it went straight into the crowd.”
Byron Ruvalcaba of Riverside said: “I was telling my partner here that they were going dumbly fast…There are kids running around … to my eyes, they were going recklessly (fast). My guess is 25 to 35 miles per hour.”
The incident occurred around 6pm as crowds gathered to watch the 32nd annual Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade that typically draws between 80,000 and 100,000 spectators.
City officials said the California Highway Patrol is investigating the crash and looking for any witness videos.
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Chief of Police at Palm Springs Police Department Andy Mills said: “By now most of our community knows at the parade tonight one of our traffic motors had an accident on his motorcycle and unfortunately several citizens and our officer were injured.
“I feel terrible about the accident and injuries to the very people we protect. I am deeply concerned and hope for a thorough recovery.
“As Chief of Police, I am responsible for this department and the men and women who serve.
“After we conduct our investigations I will report back to the community. Again, I am truly sorry.”
Palm Springs Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein told The Desert Sun on Sunday that “right now, we’re just sending thoughts and making sure that everybody who was hurt is okay.”
He added: “As Mayor, I take this very seriously. I also know that Palm Springs is unique. We have the community that can and will join in unison to overcome the most difficult of circumstances.
“Again, please join me in focusing our positive energy and resources on healing for those injured.As more facts are known, the Palm Springs City Government will keep our residents informed.”