On Saturday afternoon, around 3:25 p.m. CT, a truck entered the west end of a youth soccer field at the Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita, Kansas, striking players and spectators. The incident left two people dead—a 6‑year‑old boy and a 35‑year‑old man, both residents of McPherson, Kansas—and sent 11 others to area hospitals, according to the Wichita Police Department.
Police identified the driver as a 34‑year‑old woman from Garden City, Kansas. She remained in the vehicle after the crash, was cooperative with investigators, and is now in custody. Two juveniles were also inside the truck at the time of the collision.
Capt. Aaron Moses, executive officer of the Wichita Police Department, said the injured ranged in age from 5 to 68. Five of the injured are children, ages 5 to 9, while the adult victims range from 28 to 68. Ten of the 11 hospitalized patients suffered traumatic injuries, though officials described most as non‑life‑threatening.
Mayor Lily Wu addressed the community, describing the day as “heartbreaking” and urging residents to avoid the area while investigators work. “My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected, especially the children and families involved,” Wu said in a press briefing and on Facebook, adding that Wichita grieves together.
City Councilman Joseph Shepard called the event a mass‑casualty incident and asked the public to give families “compassion, dignity and space.” Governor Laura Kelly said she is closely monitoring the situation and has offered state assistance. Gubernatorial candidates Ty Masterson and Cindy Holscher, congressional candidates Ron Estes and Katy Tyndell, and Sen. Roger Marshall also expressed condolences.
Police Chief Joe Sullivan praised bystanders who “sprang into action” to provide lifesaving aid before first responders arrived, calling the response “truly amazing” and indicative of the Wichita community’s spirit.
The city announced that all events at the Stryker Sports Complex are canceled until further notice. Investigators have interviewed more than 30 witnesses and are asking anyone with video or photos of the incident to share them with law enforcement.
What’s next: The Wichita Police Department continues its investigation to determine how and why the truck entered the field. Officials will provide updates via social‑media briefings, and the complex will remain closed pending a safety review. Community members are urged to support the victims’ families and to remain vigilant for any information that could aid the inquiry.
Sources: kwch.com, abcnews.com, bostonglobe.com, kshb.com
