What began as a day of celebration at the KIPONA Festival turned to chaos Monday evening when a red minivan suddenly barreled through South Front Street, striking a child, a woman in a wheelchair, and a city worker. The driver was quickly taken into custody, but witnesses described the scene as frantic, with festival-goers screaming and running for safety as debris scattered across the street.
Chaotic Evening Incident
The crash occurred shortly after 6 p.m., just as vendors were winding down after the three-day event. Harrisburg Police Commissioner Thomas Carter confirmed the victims’ identities, adding that emergency services rushed them to UPMC Harrisburg. “This car came flying down through here fast,” said vendor Lottie Beauverd. “Not yelling or anything, but just flying down through this.”
Immediate Police Response
Police sealed off the festival grounds from the 100 block of State Street to the pedestrian bridge leading to City Island. Officers inspected the damaged vehicle while crews cleared debris from the roadway. The front bumper and hood of the van bore the impact, underscoring the speed and force at which it entered the crowded area.
Mayor’s Swift Arrival
Mayor Wanda Williams was en route to the hospital within minutes of the crash, standing by to meet with victims and their families. The city promised a full investigation into how the vehicle made its way onto South Front Street during festival hours.
A Historic Festival Tradition
The KIPONA Festival, a Harrisburg staple since 1916, began as a water carnival celebrating the completion of the River Steps. Today, the festival spans Riverfront Park and City Island, featuring carnival rides, food vendors, cultural shows, and the popular Giant Puppet Parade. The crash took place just before the official end of this year’s festivities at 6 p.m.
Witnesses Describe Terror
Attendees recalled scenes of panic as the minivan surged into the pedestrian area. Many dropped their belongings as they fled, while others rushed to assist the injured. The suddenness of the incident left crowds shaken in what had been, until then, a family-friendly weekend gathering.
Recent Similar Incident
The Harrisburg tragedy follows another alarming car-related accident earlier this month in Pittsburgh. At the East Liberty Black Arts Soul-Steppin, Boots-on-the-Ground Wellness Festival, an unattended vehicle rolled into a crowd, injuring six people. Five victims were hospitalized, with several in serious but stable condition.
Calls for Safety Measures
With two major Pennsylvania festivals marred by car-related incidents in the span of weeks, concerns are growing over public safety at large events. Officials are expected to review traffic control and festival security protocols to prevent future tragedies.