4 killed and many injured when car runs into crowd at parade

As California residents celebrate homecoming festivities at schools and colleges across the state, a homecoming parade in another state was the scene of a fatal accident. On Oct. 24, an alleged drunk driver crashed into a crowd of spectators at Oklahoma State University’s homecoming parade. At least four people were killed in the crash. The driver of the car was taken into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence. She is being held on $1 million bond.

The crowd that gathered for the Saturday morning parade was viewing the parade’s final stages when a vehicle that was not involved in the parade hit several people. A local reporter at the scene who live-tweeted the incident said that the car was speeding and did not appear to brake. This comment was based on the lack of the sound of screeching tires, according to the reporter.

Early Saturday afternoon there were official reports of three fatalities from the accident. Local media reports that a motorcycle rider was also injured. Nearly 30 people received injuries and were taken from the scene of the accident by helicopters to area hospitals. The death toll later rose to four, including a 2-year-old child. The 25-year-old woman who was driving the car was taken to jail on Saturday afternoon. According to court documents, she stated that she was suicidal when she drove her car into the parade crowd. Her attorney stated that she has been hospitalized in the past for mental health issues.

Pedestrian accidents often result in serious injuries. The high costs of medical care after someone has been injured in such an accident could be more than an insurer will offer. Injured victims may thus want to have the assistance of an attorney in seeking appropriate compensation for their losses.