Kansas football game turns deadly: At least two, including child, killed, several injured after vehicle crashes

At least two people, including a child, were killed and several others were injured Saturday (local time) after a vehicle drove through a football game at an urban sports complex in Wichita, Kansas.

Wichita police said they took the driver into custody, but did not provide additional details about the suspect or say whether the incident was intentional. Two minors were also in the vehicle, the AP reported.

What we know so far

Wichita Police Capt. Aaron Moses said calls to 911 began coming in just before 3:30 p.m., with callers reporting a vehicle had driven through a football game at the Stryker Soccer Complex.

At the press conference, Moses said there were “many other casualties, individuals were taken to local hospitals”. The number of injured and the extent of their injuries were not immediately available, NBC News reported.

First responders found a dead child and an adult at the scene. Details about their ages were not immediately available. Authorities said there was no further threat to the public following the intervention of police, firefighters and EMS personnel.

Wichita police said an investigation is underway to determine a motive for the incident. In a statement posted on Facebook, the department appealed to the public to share any videos of the incident to help investigators.

Mayor of Wichita, Governor of Kansas offers condolences

Wichita Mayor Lily Wu expressed her condolences on her Facebook page: “I am heartbroken by the news of the tragic incident at the Stryker Sports Complex,” adding, “My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected, especially the children and families involved.” She also advised people to avoid the area during the investigation.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said in a statement that she was monitoring the situation and offered state resources to Wu. Kelly added: “My condolences go out to the families of the victims, the bereaved and everyone affected by this event.” She also said she was “very grateful” to the first responders.

All events at Stryker Sports Complex: Officials cancelled

The Stryker Municipal Sports Complex has 11 grass fields that accommodate a variety of sports, according to its website. Wichita officials said all events at the venue have been canceled until further notice.

The Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) said its flag football championship and all other games scheduled for the weekend have been suspended. In a statement of condolences, the association said it would announce details of the postponed matches on Monday.

In a post on X, the association wrote: “KSHSAA extends our condolences to the families and teams affected by the incident on the field adjacent to Saturday’s football contest at the Stryker Sports Complex. Due to the nature of the emergency, we felt it would be best to suspend the third-place and championship football games until a later date. Details will be announced Monday.”