Authorities said on Saturday that a girl was killed after being struck by a vehicle hauling a float during a Christmas parade in Raleigh, North Carolina.
According to a news release from the police, the driver of a car in the parade lost control close to an intersection and struck the girl while moving at a slow speed. She passed away after being admitted to the hospital in critical condition. The Saturday morning collision did not cause any other injuries.
The car, which was hauling a float with many people on it, was said to be driven by three people, according to the police. Driver charged with misdemeanour death by motor vehicle, careless and reckless driving, using incorrect equipment, moving dangerously, and carrying a pistol in a parade after cooperating with detectives. The person’s name has not been made public by authorities.
According to local news outlets, the girl, who has not been named, was a dancer with CC & Company Dance Complex. On Facebook, the dance school posted a message.
“We are still in shock as we write these words to you. This morning’s events have devastated us. We also know many of our young ones witnessed this tragedy and that is hard to fathom as well,” the statement read. “Please reach out and check on each other. Please pray for our dance families, especially those directly affected.”
Roy Cooper, the governor of North Carolina, expressed his “devastation” over the tragedy.
He posted a message on Twitter saying, “In a joyous season on what should be a happy day, we instead mourn for this family and their friends as we keep them in our prayers.”
Mary-Ann Baldwin, the mayor of Raleigh, expressed her “heartbreak for the young girl hit in a horrible tragedy.”
The police looked over the truck following the collision, but they haven’t revealed anything about any potential mechanical issues, according to The News & Observer.
There is a possibility that the truck’s brakes failed.
The event led to the cancellation of the procession.
