At least five people have been killed and 40 injured after an SUV plowed into a Christmas parade on Sunday in Waukesha, Wisconsin, United States.
The vehicle was said to have broken through barricades about 4:40 pm, roughly 40 minutes after the parade began.
Video footage online shows a red SUV plowing at high speed into band members and cheerleaders marching, hitting multiple people and throwing the crowd into panic.
Witnesses reportedly estimated the car was travelling at around 40mph when it hit the crowd.
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The city of Waukesha confirmed the number of casualties in a Twitter post on Sunday.
“At this time, we can confirm that 5 people are deceased and over 40 are injured. However, these numbers may change as we collect additional information. Many people have self-transported to area hospitals. The Police Department has the person of interest in custody,” the post reads.
It said the street will not be open before mid-day on Monday, adding that businesses in this area should remain closed as entry and exit from main street will not be allowed.
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https://twitter.com/cityofwaukesha/status/1462659959544594433?s=21
Speaking at a news conference, Dan Thompson, the state’s police chief, said the investigation was still “very fluid” but that his department had taken one person of interest into custody and seized the vehicle. He also said he did not yet know if the incident is connected to terrorism.
He said 12 children were among those taken to hospital, adding that “we’re working with the families, that is our priority in this tragic incident”.
He also said a police officer had fired at the vehicle in an attempt to stop it, but bystanders were injured by the gunfire, and no shots were fired from the vehicle.
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