STILLWATER (KOTV) — Our CBS affiliate News on 6 reports four people are dead and several others are hurt at the Oklahoma State University Homecoming Parade Saturday. A vehicle ran into the crowd causing the deaths and multiple injuries.
Police said a 2-year-old was the most recent fatality as of 6:30 p.m.
The driver of the car, 25-year-old Adacia Chambers, has been arrested for driving under the influence.
The Stillwater mayor has confirmed the four fatalities. The mayor reports another person is in critical condition and 27 have been taken to the hospital. Eight helicopters in all responded to the scene.
Witnesses tell News On 6 it was terrifying as a car crashed into parade watchers at high speed at 10:31 a.m. The car was not part of the parade but was on Main before crashing into the crowd at the intersection with Hall of Fame.
A police motorcycle unit was also hit – but the officer was not on the motorcycle when the woman crashed into it.
Witnesses say the scene was very chaotic, with victims everywhere – men, women and children. They described it as if a bomb had gone off.
Von Castor, News On 6 storm chaser, was at the scene and had participated in the parade.
“A car barreled through barricades and into the crowd where the parade was ending,” Castor said. “It was an absolute horrible scene. I don’t know what the fatality count is, but I did see two fatalities.”
OSU’s homecoming weekend festivities are said to be among the largest in the nation, with tens of thousands attending various events every year, including the annual Saturday morning parade.
The University tweeted: “Oklahoma State University is saddened by the tragic parade incident earlier this morning. Our thoughts & prayers are with those affected.”
Chambers is in police custody. Stillwater Police say they will continue to update the media about her status.
