A woman was heard expressing regret moments after she allegedly drove her pickup truck onto youth soccer fields at Stryker Sports Complex, killing at least two people—including a child—during a game on Saturday.
The 34-year-old reportedly struck nearly a dozen people at about 3.25pm before shouting, “Oh my God, oh my God, what have I done?” according to a reporter cited by the New York Post.
A six-year-old boy and a 35-year-old man died, while at least 11 other people were injured.
Police said the two victims were both from McPherson but were not related. They were pronounced dead at the scene, while the injured were taken to hospitals, some in critical condition.
Those suffering traumatic injuries included two five-year-olds—a boy and a girl—as well as a nine-year-old girl. The other injured people were between 28 and 68 years old.
Other parents pulled the mother from the vehicle as bystanders provided “life-saving assistance” to the injured, 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 said the driver’s two children were inside the pickup truck, and one of them had been scheduled to play in the game.
A 34-year-old woman was reportedly heard expressing regret after her truck drove onto the youth soccer fields at Stryker Sports Complex during a game on Saturday
The woman allegedly struck nearly a dozen people at about 3.25pm before shouting, “Oh my God, oh my God, what have I done?” a reporter recalled
Other parents pulled the mother from the vehicle while bystanders gave “life-saving assistance” to those injured, Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan said
The driver, who is from Garden City, Kansas, remained at the scene and was later taken into custody.
Authorities have not said whether they believe the 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 told KWCH.
“Our officers, along with law enforcement from the area, the 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 traveling or how it reached the field. Police had interviewed more than 30 witnesses as they worked to determine exactly what happened.
Emergency responders wheel a stretcher near the scene as multiple casualties were taken to area hospitals following the deadly crash
Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses confirmed that two people died 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.