Multiple Fatalities After Car Ploughs Into Christmas Parade

Multiple fatalities have been reported after a car ploughed into a Christmas parade in the US state of Wisconsin.

Gatekeepers News reports no fewer than five persons have been confirmed dead and over 40 others injured in the incident that happened at about 4:39 pm (22:39 GMT) on Sunday in Waukesha, about 32 kilometres (20 miles) west of Milwaukee.

School bands and a dance troupe of grannies were among those marching through the city of Waukesha when a red SUV came speeding down the road, hitting dozens of people, including children.

Police said one person is in custody and noted that the incident does not appear “at this time” to be an act of terrorism.

A law enforcement official who is familiar with the early findings of the investigation said suspect appeared to have been fleeing another scene when he ran into people at the parade.

Fire chief Steven Howard told reporters that his department had taken 11 adults and 12 children to nearby hospitals after the incident.

The Children’s Wisconsin hospital said it had received 15 patients as of 20:00, while the Aurora Medical Center-Summit said it was treating 13 people, including three in a critical condition.

Officials in Waukesha warned that the number of fatalities and injuries could change as additional information is collected.

Mayor Shawn Reilly described the incident as a “horrible, senseless tragedy”.

“I am deeply saddened to know that so many in our community went to a parade but ended up dealing with injury and heartache,” he said.

Gatekeepers News reports that the parade in Waukesha is a traditional held every year on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, and includes fancy dress, floats, dancers and marching bands. This year’s theme was “comfort and joy”.