A youth soccer match in Wichita, Kansas, turned deadly Saturday when a pickup truck allegedly drove onto the fields at Stryker Sports Complex, killing at least two people, including a child.
After the vehicle struck nearly a dozen people at about 3:25 p.m., the 34-year-old driver was heard crying out, “Oh my God, oh my God, what have I done?” a reporter recalled.
A six-year-old boy and a 35-year-old man died in the incident, 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, and several injured people were taken to nearby hospitals in critical condition.
Those hurt included two five-year-olds—a boy and a girl—as well as a nine-year-old girl. The remaining injured victims were between 28 and 68 years old.
Other parents removed the woman from the truck as bystanders worked to provide what Wichita Police Department Chief Joe Sullivan described as “life-saving assistance” to the injured.
“It was truly amazing, but I think it’s indicative of the Wichita community,” Sullivan said.
Police Captain Aaron Moses said the driver’s two children were inside the pickup when it entered the soccer complex. One of the children had been scheduled to play in a match.
A 34-year-old woman was reportedly heard expressing regret after her pickup truck drove onto the youth soccer fields at Stryker Sports Complex during a Saturday game
The driver allegedly cried, “Oh my God, oh my God, what have I done?” after the truck struck nearly a dozen people at around 3:25 p.m.
Other parents pulled the driver from the vehicle while bystanders gave “life-saving assistance” to the injured, Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan said
The driver, who is from Garden City, Kansas, stayed at the scene and was later taken into custody.
Investigators have not said whether they believe the crash was intentional or accidental.
“At about 3:25 p.m., Sedgwick County emergency communications began receiving multiple emergency calls reporting that a vehicle had driven through a soccer game at Stryker Sports Complex,” Moses told KWCH.
“Our officers, along with law enforcement agencies from across the area, the Wichita Fire Department and Sedgwick County EMS, responded to the scene.
“We have two fatalities confirmed at the scene, along with multiple other casualties. Those injured were transported to hospitals in the area.
“The vehicle involved remained at the scene, and the driver is currently in our custody. There is no additional ongoing threat to the public from that driver.”
Moses said authorities did not yet know how fast the truck had been traveling or how it reached the soccer field. More than 30 witnesses had been interviewed as investigators worked to piece together the events.
Emergency workers moved a stretcher near Stryker Sports Complex as multiple casualties were taken to area hospitals after the fatal crash
Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses confirmed that two people died after the pickup truck entered the soccer field
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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.
