A terrible tragedy brought a Christmas parade in Raleigh, North Carolina, to a halt after one of the trucks towing a float struck and killed a little girl, according to the Raleigh Police Department.
The 78th Raleigh Christmas Parade was brought to a halt at 10:25 a.m. Saturday when a member of the CC & Co. Dance Complex was injured by an out-of-control vehicle.
The kid was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment, but despite life-saving measures, she died from her injuries, according to authorities.
WRAL’s video from the site shows the crash as it occurred. As the driver loses control, the vehicle seems to accelerate. Some individuals fled the route of the car, while others raced towards it in an effort to keep it from colliding with other parade participants.
Witnesses reported uncertainty as the incident unfolded.
The females continued to dance, but soon separated as the vehicle passed through them. Beyond this group, there were additional dancers. They were all wondering whether it was part of the procession, a witness to the collision told.
.@raleighpolice Chief Estella Patterson is on the scene of an accident at the Raleigh Christmas Parade at Hillsborough St. & Boylan Ave. @WRAL has spoken to witnesses who say at least one person was injured. Two floats for “CC & Company Dance Complex” are within the yellow tape. pic.twitter.com/NgYAIRBncn
— Joe Fisher – WRAL (@JoeFisherTV) November 19, 2022
Perhaps the vehicle ramped up a little speed and kept honking, causing quite a little more pandemonium. Everybody began to appear perplexed. She is not sure, but possibly the fire engine and other first responders assisted in stopping the vehicle. She is not sure if somebody was hit on the ground or not, she stated.
Another observer reported seeing the youngster on the ground with a blanket wrapped around her. At the moment of the collision, witnesses reported hearing tires screeching, yelling, and the vehicle’s horn blaring.
According to police, the incident is still being investigated.
Their thoughts are with the victim’s family and others who saw this awful occurrence, the department stated. During this extremely terrible moment, the victim’s family has requested privacy.
The driver cooperated with authorities and was charged with misdemeanor motor vehicle death, careless and reckless driving, incorrect equipment, dangerous movement, and carrying a handgun in a procession.
The procession lasted roughly an hour before being discontinued due to the accident.
Following the disaster, Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin made the following statement: “Today started with such joy. The parade route was packed with smiling kids and it made my heart so happy to see. Now we are all devastated by the news of this tragic accident and praying for the victim and her family. It is heartbreaking.”
