Police Chief J.R. Kidney reported that two separate traffic incidents occurred Friday afternoon as Tecumseh hosted its annual downtown trick‑or‑treat event. The first incident involved a 12‑year‑old girl who was hit by a car near the intersection of State Highway 9 and 5th Street, close to the stoplight at 5th and Walnut.
Child struck by vehicle
According to Chief Kidney, the girl was immediately taken by ambulance to OU Medical Center. Officers on the scene assessed the injuries as non‑life‑threatening, and the child is expected to recover fully. No arrests have been made, and there is no indication that the collision was intentional.
School‑bus collision on Highway 9
Just minutes after the first incident, two Tecumseh Public School buses were involved in a collision on State Highway 9. Kidney explained that a handicapped bus was turning off 9th Street when it pulled in front of another bus traveling on the highway, resulting in a minor crash. No injuries were reported in the bus collision, and both vehicles were cleared from the roadway before 5 p.m.
Police response and community safety
The Tecumseh Police Department responded quickly to both scenes, securing the areas and coordinating with emergency medical services. Chief Kidney emphasized that the department is reviewing the incidents to determine if any additional safety measures are needed for future community events, especially those that draw large crowds to downtown streets.
Mayor [Mayor’s Name] praised the police and first‑responders for their swift action, noting that the city will continue to prioritize safe streets for families during holiday celebrations. The department also reminded drivers to exercise caution, obey traffic signals, and watch for pedestrians, particularly children in costumes.
What parents can do
Parents are encouraged to supervise children closely during trick‑or‑treat routes, use reflective gear, and stay aware of traffic conditions. The city plans to increase signage and possibly deploy additional crossing guards for future events to help prevent similar incidents.
Both incidents were resolved without serious harm, and the community can look forward to a safe continuation of the Halloween festivities.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
