A peaceful festival in Pittsburgh turned chaotic on Sunday evening as an unattended vehicle rolled into a crowd, injuring six people, with three in critical condition. According to police, the driver of a red Kia Soul mistakenly believed he had put his car in park before he exited the vehicle.
The incident took place around 6:30 p.m. at the East Liberty Black Arts Soul Steppin’, Boots-on-the-Ground Wellness Festival, which drew many local families and attendees celebrating community and culture. Thankfully, the rapid response of emergency services helped manage the situation swiftly.
Witnesses described a terrifying scene. Five women and one man were struck by the slow-moving car after the driver realized too late that the vehicle was not secured. Ricco J.L. Martello, a photographer at the event, shared his perspective, recalling that he had just raised his camera to take photos when the car started rolling toward the crowd.
“I dropped the camera, and it was already too late. People were getting hit,” Martello recounted, clearly shaken by the unexpected turn of events. The aftermath showed tables overturned and festival materials scattered on the ground, a stark reminder of the calm that suddenly devolved into chaos.
Martello also noted the driver’s panic as he rushed from the sidewalks to attempt to stop the car. It was evident that the driver felt remorse for what had occurred. “I mean, he felt really bad,” Martello said, highlighting the human element in this startling situation.
Emergency responders quickly transported five victims to nearby hospitals. Thankfully, two were reported to be in stable condition, while three were categorized as seriously yet stable. One individual received treatment on the scene and did not require further medical attention.
Eddie and Anita Drummond, the festival’s organizers, confirmed that their family members were among those injured. Despite the accident, the couple expressed their determination to continue the celebration. “It was a freak accident. Probably the gears didn’t shift or something, then it rolled into everyone. But unfortunately, you know, people got injured,” Eddie explained to reporters. Their resilience in the face of adversity illustrates the spirit of community that festivals like these aim to foster.
Authorities have stated that the incident was purely accidental. Given the circumstances, it appears unlikely that any charges will be filed against the driver involved. As the festival goes on, it’s crucial for everyone to reflect on their responsibilities, not just as drivers but as participants in shared spaces, especially during large gatherings.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures. Whether securing vehicles or remaining attentive in crowded areas, each of us has a role to play in ensuring the well-being of our community and its members.
As Pittsburgh residents heal from this unfortunate event, their strong sense of community should shine through. With support and compassion, they can move forward, respecting one another and appreciating the shared experiences that bring them together. Plans will likely revolve around honoring those affected and ensuring that future festivals can continue safely, maintaining the joy and spirit that events like these represent.
While this disruption was indeed tragic, it’s crucial to focus on recovery and the unity that comes from shared experiences, reminding everyone that community strength often shines brightest in the face of adversity.
