In a distressing incident on Tuesday afternoon, nine students were injured when a vehicle collided with them at a school in Ankeny, Iowa. This unfortunate event took place at St. Luke’s Catholic School, located on NW Weigel Drive, as students were being picked up at around 3:15 p.m., as reported by local police and fire officials during a press conference.
According to officials, the vehicle involved deviated from the pickup line, mounted the curb, and subsequently struck the students.
In the immediate aftermath, several parents who were present at the scene quickly provided first aid to the injured children until emergency services arrived. The nine students were then promptly transported to nearby hospitals for further medical attention.
Officials have noted that while some of the injuries sustained by the students are serious, specific details regarding their ages and conditions have not been disclosed. St. Luke’s Catholic School serves a student body ranging from kindergarten to eighth grade.
Several parents in line provided aid to the children until emergency responders arrived at the scene. The nine victims were then rushed to local hospitals.
Some of the students who were struck suffered serious injuries, according to officials. Their ages and conditions were not made publicly available, but the school teaches students from kindergarten through eighth grade.
The driver, who has not been identified, was not injured and remained at the scene after the incident.
A vehicle in the pickup line jumped the curb and struck multiple students. (Ankeny Police)
Sgt. Trevor McGraw, a spokesperson for the Ankeny Police Department, told reporters that the incident did not appear to be an intentional act of violence.
Investigators are continuing to probe what may have caused the collision.
People were asked to avoid the area to allow emergency responders to access the scene.
Police said the incident did not appear to be an intentional act of violence. (Ankeny Police)
“Thank you to parents from the school pickup line who assisted the injured immediately while emergency services were on the way,” city officials said. “Thank you to teachers and staff for assisting injured students and students who witnessed the traumatic incident.”
The Des Moines Diocese told WHO 13: “Please know that we pray for the families involved and for the first responders who assisted.”
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