PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — Ten people were injured after a police officer riding a motorcycle crashed into bystanders during a weekend holiday parade in Palm Springs, California, authorities said.
All of the injured were taken to the hospital Saturday night for non-life-threatening injuries, including the police, according to police.
Witnesses told Desert Sun in the newspaper that the officer was pulling a tire and suddenly lost control of the engine.
The bike slid into the audience and stopped the festive event for over an hour.
Authorities said some emergency responders attending the parade helped the injured, with ambulances and fire trucks still decorated with holiday lights.
The crash happened around 6 p.m. as crowds gathered to watch the 32nd annual Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade in Palm Springs, which draws between 80,000 and 100,000 spectators.
“I feel terrible for the accident and the injuries to the people we protect,” Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills said on Facebook.
City officials said the California Highway Patrol is investigating the crash and seeking video from witnesses.
