'Country has gone to hell': Drunk driver crashes truck into Bakersfield Christmas Parade injuring three

BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA: Tragedy struck the annual Bakersfield Christmas Parade on the evening of Thursday, December 7, when a truck plowed at high speed into paradegoers and vehicles.

The shocking incident, which witnesses say was caused by an intoxicated male driver, left three people hospitalized, including one in critical condition, as per Daily Mail.

Bakersfield Christmas Parade organizers proceeded with a shortened route

The chaos unfolded around 5:45 pm as the parade was preparing to kick off outside a local fire station. According to bystander reports, a white Ford F-150 pickup truck was speeding in reverse out of an alley near a dry cleaners.

The truck first slammed into a food truck belonging to Misti Cole, before hitting three male pedestrians and crashing into the perimeter of the fire station.

“He never slowed down,” said witness Kathy Switter, who noted one victim had just purchased hot cocoa for another before being struck.

The force of the collisions was extreme, with witnesses reporting the truck rolled over one man before moving on to strike two others. All three victims were rushed to hospital, one with critical injuries and two others with less serious wounds.

In the chaotic aftermath, some parade-goers mistook the sounds of the truck’s back window shattering for gunshots. And despite the shocking incident, organizers proceeded with a shortened parade route. Food truck owner Cole criticized the decision to continue, saying, “It’s a mess down here. You don't know if these people are dead.”

Intoxicated older male driver was arrested at the scene of the crash

According to police, the Ford’s driver – described by at least three witnesses as an older intoxicated man – was arrested at the scene for drunk driving and suffered no injuries.

Witnesses reported the driver smelled of alcohol and attempted to flee by putting his truck into drive, but the damaged vehicle failed to move. He was swiftly taken into custody by police who arrived on the scene.

The disastrous chain of events began when the man was allegedly speeding recklessly out of an alley in his truck, backing up behind Cole’s food truck. “That’s how I support my family and some drunk idiot just smashed my truck,” a distraught Cole told reporters.

In addition to the human injuries, the truck left behind significant debris and damage in its wake after slamming through lawn chairs and crashing into Cole’s vehicle. The shocking incident highlighted the devastating toll drunk driving continues to inflict at public events.

Internet erupts in outrage and sadness over tragic event at Bakersfield Christmas Parade

News of the devastating crash was met by an outpouring of outrage and sadness on social media.

"So awful that going to a Christmas parade with our children is now dangerous," remarked one user. Another individual voiced frustration, stating, "Getting so tired of this crap, why can't people just enjoy events without others ruining things."

Expressing deep sorrow and dismay, a commenter lamented, "That's horrible!! This country has gone to hell. Those poor people and their families, so so sad."

Amidst prayers and sympathies extended to the victims and their families, one user remarked, "Absolutely shocking, praying for all." Concluding the sentiments shared online, another user remarked, "These situations are so frightening."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.