Dozens of people ranging from small children to grandparents witnessed a freak accident on the streets of Louisville, Kentucky, during the city's 53rd Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 14.
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A woman became entangled in a moving float, leading to a tragic incident that resulted in her death in front of the crowd.
What Took Place During the St. Patrick's Day Parade?
As reported by the New York Post, the woman was walking near a St. Patrick's Day float filled with hay bales hitched to a grey pickup truck. Her foot then became caught on the vehicle.
It was reported that seconds later, the woman was pulled under the float. The vehicle came to a stop as observers and volunteers hurried to assist her. Police told reporters that she was taken to the University of Louisville Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
Meanwhile, many of those at the front of the parade remained unaware of the tragedy that had just occurred. Gradually, the other floats slowed to a stop as word spread through the crowd.
"My heart just goes out to anyone who was in that float, and all the people in that float, and the family," said volunteer mascot Stephanie Youstra. "I just can't imagine that they are all feeling."
A Town Comes Together
Amid the confusion, some witnesses did not immediately realize the gravity of the situation. For example, David Gnamba was working at his family's food truck when he saw first responders place the woman onto a stretcher.
"It does break my heart because that's a person that lost their life ... this is not news that we want to hear — as human beings, as vendors, as people, as partygoers," Gnamba shared.
Craig Greenberg, the mayor of Louisville, shared a message on social media about the incident.
"I am so sorry to hear about the tragic accident that took a woman's life at today's St. Patrick's Day Parade," he wrote. "Please join Rachel and me in keeping her family and friends in your prayers. May her memory be a blessing."
The Louisville Metro Police Department's traffic unit is investigating the incident.
