A woman was heard uttering haunting words of regret after she allegedly drove her truck onto youth soccer fields at Stryker Sports Complex, killing at least two people including a child during a game on Saturday.
After striking almost a dozen people at around 3.25pm, the woman, 34, shouted, ‘Oh my God, oh my God, what have I done?’ a reporter recalled, according to the New York Post.
A six-year-old boy and 35-year-old man were killed, while at least 11 others were injured.
The victims, both McPherson natives who police said were not related, were pronounced dead at the scene, while those injured were rushed to hospital in critical condition.
Among those left with traumatic injuries included two five-year-olds, a girl and boy, and a nine-year-old girl. The rest of those hurt are aged between 28 and 68 years old.
The mother was pulled from the vehicle by other parents as bystanders attempted ‘life-saving assistance’ to those injured during the incident, Wichita Police Department Chief Joe Sullivan said.
‘It was truly amazing, but I think it’s indicative of the Wichita community,’ he said.
Police Captain Aaron Moses noted that the driver’s two children were in the back of the pickup truck at the time of the incident, and one had been set to play in a game.
A 34-year-old woman was heard uttering haunting words of regret after she drove her truck onto youth soccer fields at Stryker Sports Complex during a game on Saturday
After striking almost a dozen people at around 3.25pm, the woman shouted, ‘Oh my God, oh my God, what have I done?’ a reporter recalled
The mother was pulled from the vehicle by other parents as bystanders attempted ‘life-saving assistance’ to those injured during the incident, Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan said
The driver, a Garden City, Kansas, native, remained at the scene and was subsequently taken into custody.
Authorities have not revealed whether they believe the deadly incident was deliberate or accidental.
‘At about 3:25pm Sedgwick County emergency communications began receiving multiple emergency calls reporting that a vehicle had driven through a soccer game at Stryker soccer complex,’ Moses said to KWCH.
‘Our officers along with law-enforcement from the area, Wichita Fire Department and Sedgwick County EMS responded to the scene.
‘We have two fatalities confirmed here at the scene and multiple other casualties with individuals transported to area hospitals.
‘The vehicle involved in this incident remained at the scene. The driver of that vehicle is currently in our custody. There is no additional ongoing threat to the public from that driver.’
Moses said he did not know how fast the truck was going or how it managed to get on to the field. He said police had managed to interview more than 30 witnesses in an effort to establish exactly what happened.
Emergency responders wheel a stretcher near the scene of the horrific incident, which saw multiple casualties rushed to area hospitals following the deadly crash
Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses confirmed the deaths of two people after the truck drove onto the soccer field
Shocked parents at the sports complextook out their phones and captured the scene
A witness told local television station 12 News that a ‘black pickup truck came plowing through the youth soccer fields hitting multiple people before stopping 100-200 yards down the fields.’
The witness described harrowing scenes as emergency responders rushed to help those struck by the vehicle.
‘Dozens of emergency responders on scene giving CPR and rendering aid to victims,’ the witness said.
The account suggested the truck had traveled a considerable distance across the sports fields before finally coming to a stop.
Police are appealing for anyone with video footage of the incident to share it with them.
‘Regardless of how significant you believe your footage may be, we encourage you to submit it. Even the smallest detail could assist investigators,’ said the WPD.
Wichita Mayor Lily Wu said she’s ‘heartbroken’ and advised people to avoid the area, adding, ‘My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected, especially the children and families involved.’
The tragedy unfolded at a venue popular with young soccer players and their families, turning what should have been an ordinary Saturday afternoon of sport into an emergency.
The incident happened at the Stryker Sports Complex that has 11 outdoor all-sports turf fields
The Stryker Sports Complex told people to avoid the area
Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses gave a second update just before 8pm on Saturday night
Investigators examine items scattered across the grass as police tape surrounds the scene where a vehicle plowed through a soccer game, killing two people
The Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) said play has been suspended for the flag football state championship following the deadly accident.
‘Games will not resume this weekend, but a later announcement will be made with updated game times,’ KSHSAA said.
The association extended its condolences to the ‘families and teams impacted by the incident on a field adjacent to the flag football competition at Stryker Sports Complex Saturday.’
‘Given the nature of the emergency, we felt it was best to suspend the flag football third place and championship games until a later date. Details will be announced Monday,’ KSHSAA said.
Stryker Sports Complex in northeast Wichita, is a major regional soccer facility that hosts youth competitions and other sporting events.
Its extensive playing fields regularly attract young athletes, coaches and spectators from across the region.
The fact that the vehicle appeared to drive directly through a soccer game has raised urgent questions about how it came to enter the playing area.
