(TheLastPatriotNews.com) – A startling event at the Palm Springs holiday parade has left 10 people injured after a police officer lost control of his motorcycle, colliding with the crowd.
See video footage and a photo from the accident in the tweet below!
The city’s famed Festival of Lights turned tragic as questions emerge about the cause of the accident, sparking an investigation by the California Highway Patrol.
The incident not only halted the parade but also left the community reeling.
At least 10 people, including a police officer, were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries after the officer’s motorcycle collided with spectators.
Subsequent reports said one of those injured had died.
This incident unfolded at approximately 6 p.m. during Palm Springs’ annual Festival of Lights Parade.
The motorcycle continued into the crowd after the officer lost control and severed his hand attempting a trick.
Reports suggest the officer attempted a wheelie before losing control, resulting in the motorcycle skidding into the crowd and stopping the parade for over an hour.
Emergency responders, including fire truck and ambulance crews that were part of the parade, quickly provided assistance to those injured.
The bustling parade typically draws between 80,000 to 100,000 spectators.
“We did see him pop a wheelie and all of a sudden he went sideways and skid all the way over there, and lost control and let go of the bike and it went straight into the crowd,” eyewitness Veronica Ortiz told The New York Post.
The California Highway Patrol has initiated an investigation while urging the public to provide any video footage of the incident.
The city expressed gratitude to the community for its support during this time and extended their best wishes to the officer, his family, and all those affected.
Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills remarked, “I feel terrible about the accident and injuries to the very people we protect,” cited by AP.
For now, as investigations continue, the community will be questioning both the safety measures in place during such events and the protocols followed by officers.
The tragic mishap has left a lasting impact on what was meant to be a joyful holiday celebration, casting a shadow over the holiday spirit.
🚨🚨Breaking: Pandemonium at the Palm Springs Parade
Ten people are hurt in the 32nd Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade after a stunt goes awry. According to reports, an elderly couple was hurt when a motorcycle officer lost his hand while performing a trick and crashed into… pic.twitter.com/ZxmllDo47N— Dilojan (@umadilojan) December 8, 2024
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