5 People Dead, Over 40 Injured After SUV Rams Into Waukesha Christmas Parade | Some Of These Were Little Children

Trigger Warning: Some of the images and videos in the story may be disturbing to readers. 

An SUV that sped through a barricade into the Waukesha Holiday Parade route on November 21, 2021, has left at least 5 people are dead, and over 40 people injured [at the time of reporting] officials confirmed, according to USA Today. 

The numbers were shared on social media by The City of Waukesha. "At this time, we can confirm that 5 people are deceased and over 40 are injured," the statement said. "However, these numbers may change as we collect additional information."

"The scene is still fluid, and the investigation is ongoing. The community mourns the loss of our community members and those injured. We are asking for the community to come together during this time and to keep the families in your prayers," the post added. 

The incident occurred at 4:39 pm local time, said Waukesha Police Chief Daniel Thompson, per PEOPLE. Footage from the parade posted on The City of Waukesha Facebook page shows a red SUV blazing down the roadway after a marching band passes by while playing "Jingle Bells." 

At around 20:40 minutes into the clip, a car horn can be heard honking as some witnesses seemingly scream at the sight. Police can then be seen rushing down the street toward the scene. Though the cops who rushed to stop the SUV shot at the car, no one was injured. Shots weren't fired from the SUV either, Thompson added.

"The vehicle struck more than 20 individuals, some of the individuals were children," Thompson confirmed in a press conference Sunday evening. "We do have a person of interest in custody at the moment," Thompson added. 

Thompson also mentioned that it's unknown if the incident is connected to terrorism. 

At least 11 adults and 12 pediatric patients were transported to local area hospitals, according to Waukesha Fire Chief Steven Howard. At the time, officials didn't release the correct number of fatalities, because they wanted to wait until the families had been informed. 

"Today our community faced horror and tragedy at what should have been a community celebration," Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly said at the press conference. "I am deeply saddened to know that so many in our community went to a parade, but ended up dealing with injury and heartache."

Corey Montiho, a Waukesha school district board member, said his daughter's dance team was hit by the SUV. "They were pom-poms and shoes and spilled hot chocolate everywhere. I had to go from one crumpled body to the other to find my daughter," he said. "My wife and two daughters were almost hit. Please pray for everybody. Please pray."

"My family is safe but many are not. I held one little girl's head in my hand, she was seizing and she was bleeding out of her ears. I held her mother as she collapsed. Please pray.”

References:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/11/21/waukesha-christmas-parade-suv-wisconsin/8714413002/

https://www.facebook.com/cityofwaukesha

https://people.com/crime/waukesha-christmas-parade-wisconsin-car-drives-through-mass-casualty-event/

https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=445274323778655

Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Jim Vondruska