Tragedy at Waukesha Christmas Parade

Monday, November 22nd, 2021 -- 9:44 AM

(AP) A joyous scene of marching bands and children dancing in Santa hats and waving pompoms turned deadly in an instant, as an SUV sped through barricades and into a Christmas parade in suburban Milwaukee, killing at least five people and injuring more than 40 others.

One video showed a woman screaming, “Oh my God!” repeatedly as a group of young dancers was struck Sunday. A father talked of going “from one crumpled body to the other” in search of his daughter.

Members of a “Dancing Grannies” club were among those hit. The city of Waukesha posted on its social media accounts late Sunday that it could confirm at least five died and more than 40 were injured, while noting that it was still collecting information.

The city’s statement also noted that many people took themselves to hospitals. The city did not release any additional information about those who died. A “person of interest” was in custody, Waukesha Police Chief Dan Thompson said, but he gave no details about the person or any possible motive.

The investigation was ongoing, with assistance from the Wisconsin Department of Justice.

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