PALM SPRINGS, CA. (THECOUNT) — A harrowing incident unfolded during the festive 32nd annual Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade when a motorcycle officer crashed, sending at least 10 people to the hospital on Saturday night.
The accident took place just before 6 p.m. at the intersection of Palm Canyon Drive and Amado Road, where throngs of spectators had congregated to enjoy the holiday spectacle.
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According to witnesses who spoke to the Desert Sun, the officer was allegedly performing a wheelie trick when he lost control of his motorcycle. However, Palm Springs Police Department’s public information officer dismissed the wheelie claim as mere speculation. Video obtained by THECOUNT shows the officer’s front wheel momentarily leaving the asphalt before the motorcycle accelerated, ejecting the officer and crashing into the crowd.
Viewer video shows the moment a Palm Springs police officer crashes into the crowd at the Festival of Lights Parade. 10 people were injured including the officer. We'll have the latest updates tonight at 10 and 11 pm
Details: https://t.co/3vx2ZZTmmI pic.twitter.com/M6y9VMuSFH
— KESQ News Channel 3 (@KESQ) December 8, 2024
[Graphic] The motorcycle, now riderless, barreled into the crowd after the officer fell. The Palm Springs Post reported that the officer’s hand was gruesomely severed in the mishap, though his injuries, along with those of the bystanders, were classified as “non-life-threatening” by the police.
Among the injured were nine spectators, one of whom was a child with “minor to moderate injuries,” according to police spokesperson Gustavo Araiza. Cell phone footage from the scene depicted a scene of confusion and urgency as people scrambled to assist the wounded, with the motorcycle visibly abandoned near the crowd.
Despite the interruption, the parade, which annually attracts between 80,000 to 100,000 attendees, eventually continued after a brief pause.
The Palm Springs Police expressed gratitude for the community’s support, adding, “Our thoughts are with the officer, his family and all of those injured today.”
Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills issued a heartfelt statement, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. “I feel terrible about the accident and injuries to the very people we protect. I am deeply concerned and hope for a thorough recovery,” he said. He also announced that the California Highway Patrol would lead a comprehensive traffic investigation, while the department would conduct its own administrative review. Chief Mills committed to transparency by promising to share investigation results with the community.
The California Highway Patrol is currently in charge of the ongoing investigation. They’ve requested that anyone with video or photographic evidence of the crash send it to PSCityGovernmentMedia@palmspringsca.gov.
Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein of Palm Springs took to social media to express his concern, stating, “As Mayor, I take this very seriously,” and assured residents that further updates would be provided as more information comes to light.
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